We were craving for Korean bbq and tofu soup last night so we went to the Lee's Tofu that we haven't been there for a while. It was Sunday evening but it wasn't too crowded and we got seated immediately. We ordered the following items: #11-1 combo special of bulgogi (sliced beef)+tofu soup+rice ($25.99) #12-3 Bbq menu chicken teriyaki + rice ($23.91) #16 Korean style seafood pancakes ($17.88) #23 spicy rice cake ($12.97) #27 Kimbap ($11.88) They served us 5 different kinds of banchan (small appetizer dishes) and we all like the radish dish so much. The fish was provided because we ordered tofu soup so it came along with it. I asked them what's the differences between combo and the bbq menu because both prices are the same but the bbq menu does not have tofu soup included. The server told me that if you choose the combo menu then the portion will be smaller coz the tofu soup is included. anyhow, the bulgogi (sliced beef) was in a decent size, the beef was flavorful and tender. We picked chicken tofu soup and they gave us a lot of chicken meat. For the teriyaki chicken, it came in a much bigger portion because it's on the bbq menu (without tofu soup). We couldn't finish it because they gave us a lot of chicken. The taste was not bad but I prefer bulgogi or bbq short ribs instead. The Korean seafood pancakes were big and had a lot of seafood inside but they were very oily. (Remember to add some sauces on it to make it more flavorful) We requested for mild spicy level of the spicy rice cakes and I'm glad that they were not too spicy. Taste was not bad but I've had better spicy rice cakes. The kimbap was delicious!!! I would order it again. Service: excellent and attentive service. The servers noticed that we finished our banchan (small appetizer dishes) and they asked us if we wanted to refill it and they refilled quite a few times for us. And I dropped my spoon on the table and the server saw it and he asked me if I wanted to replace that spoon. The other server also offered to take a family picture for us. Overall: For the taste wise, I would give 4 stars but I would go back there again based on their excellent service. read more

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Really disappointed at this restaurant. We love the food here and come often as we live near by. However, today, we called in to order a tofu galbi combo, and asked to make our order a large, stating we wanted more galbi. The person taking the order said sure it will cost more. So we said that's fine. When we got our order, the number of galbi pieces we got was 6. A normal order, comes with 5. So we paid extra for a large, only for them to give us 1 extra tiny piece. That was not what we were expecting at all. We called the restaurant to let them know our disappointment and they said sorry and that was it. Not even an attempt to help mitigate our issue. Their level of service really disappointed me and makes me not want to return. read more

This is hands down the best Korean restaurant that I have ever been to. I have been going to this restaurant ever since I was a baby. The dumplings and short ribs are my favorite items there, and are actually the only dumplings that I like compared to other restaurants. I HIGHLY recommend you go try this restaurant. You will not regret it whatsoever read more

Pretty decent tofu soup that I would say is overall the best specifically to the 626 area. Cooked and chefed up by a Mongolian family using the same recipes as the past owner. Their spiciest is not the spiciest I had, but it's okay still delicious umami and flavor to the soup. Their banchan is made wonderfully fresh as well. Their kimbap is not good. Fish cake kimbap and rolled with two danmuji? It was still edible but the flavors were ehh and ingredients did not seem fresh which is fair considering they probably don't sell too much on a daily basis. You would get better kimbap at your local Hmart read more

I have big hopes for their sundubu, sjnce the place is literally called Lee's Tofu. But maybe i should have peek at the next table and see what's the most ordered item on the menu. read more

This is really a 3.5 review, but I rounded up. Quality/Quantity - Today we over ordered the following: Pork Tofu Soup - My favorite of all the dishes, and I don't even like tofu... Bulgogi Combo Special - Good, but I think it could have been more flavorful? Mushrooms were quartered, I think I am used to them being sliced? Kimbap - For $11.88, it should have had meat. This was good, but not $12 good. Korean Style Seafood Pancake - Should have been crispy and for sure did not hold up its texture after being dipped in the sauce. Side dishes - salad, bean sprouts, cabbage kimchi, cucumber kimchi, fish. The only side I liked was the cucumber kimchi. Also available = Lunch discount, see pictures. Atmosphere - Menus everywhere!! You can NOT miss what they are serving. See pictures. Actually, it's a fairly small menu, made well. Simple small business. Open 6 days a week from 10:30am to 9:30pm, closed Monday. Plenty of mall parking. Service - Okay, the owner was accommodating, but we had to ask. There was a large group celebrating a birthday, but we were the only two customers. I am told we just missed the crowd, maybe he was just too tired? Price - $60 + tip, this is very affordable for Korean food. Owner Comment - Congrats on your success, looks like you have been here for a very long time, 15+ years. read more

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I used to come here often, so I was glad to see that they reopened across the street. * Environment * I don't really like the plaza since parking is a bit hard to find. Went to eat around 6 pm on a Friday and there was no wait. Plenty of seats and is spacious. * Food * Bulgogi was a bit soggy and soft, but the flavor was alright. The soup was amazing and more flavorful than most tofu soups I've had. The rice was also really fluffy and had a bit of a sweet taste. Together, it made an amazing comfort meal. * Service * Service was exceptional, with the waiter frequently checking up on us to make sure everything was good. The poor guy had to run from table to table constantly, but provided the best service I've seen in a while. Overall, I'd come here again for a nice comforting meal. read more

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Came here on a Tuesday for lunch and it wasn't crowded. We chose this place for Korean tofu pot because the prices seem fair. The server was friendly and she kept asking if we needed refill on the banchan. We ordered the seafood non spicy tofu pot (came with a rice and an egg), kimbap, and seafood pancake. Never had a tofu pot without spiciness and I just say it's not bad at all. You can taste the seafoods in their original flavors more. The kimbap was good and standard. The seafood pancake was hot and it t had a fair amount of seafood. The meal was filling! Also, you get $1 off on items #1 to #11 (the variety of tofu pots) every Tuesday-Friday! I'd recommend this place! read more

Lee's Tofu - Non spicy seafood tofu - Korean Near Me - Monterey Park, California

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It gets the job done without me going to Ktown and to the more popular Korean places in the SGV (I love you, YukDaeJang). Their banchans and their dishes are pretty standard, so it's perfect for a cold evening. There is plenty of parking in the plaza and I have encountered some sketchy characters in the area, but the plaza is bustling enough to feel safe. To me, their food is comparable to BCD without the drive to Ktown. It's a pretty standard Soon Tofu place with the usual Bulgogi, Galbi, and other combos. Yes, BCD is OG, but I'd rather go here to get my Soon Tofu fix on without the crazy wait and I much would rather go to Ktown for other things like marinated raw crab, boujee kbbq, or other specialties. They recently received their liquor license so now I can say it feels authentically Korean with their Asian beers, soju and even Modelo! read more

I can't lie, ts is actually better than bcd tofu house. Lowkenuinely, the tofu soup is much more flavorful. Additionally, the servers are very kind but also mad efficient, love them! read more

I went to different Tofu Houses, this one is not good. Less varieties and the food is fresh. I feel thirsty after I ate. Service is fine but when I pay 18% tip I did not get thanks. read more

Score: 9.5/10 Buzzwords: Incredibly Friendly Staff, Mouthwatering Flavors This was our first time visiting Lee's Tofu since there relocating to a larger storefront. My girlfriend and I were crushed when we first saw that the old location had been vacated, thinking it was to never return. We went with the Kimbap, Vegetable Tofu Soup, & 11-3: Clam Tofu Soup w/ Chicken. As in the past, a nice layout of sides were brought prior to our meal. The Kimbap was plentiful and yet surprisingly light enough to heed off the hunger until our sizzling hot tofu soups and chicken entree's arrived in their unforgettable cast iron dish ware. Though understandable, I am truly a bit sad that the rice - which was previously served in similar cast iron bowl - was served in a metal bowl as I used to look forward to the texture-flavor combo of adding what leftover tofu soup I had at end of my meal to the crispy rice stuck to to the bottom of the cast-iron. Overall, this new location of Lee's Tofu retains much of the core charm that the original location stole our heart with. The flavors, food, and overall eating experience was delightful and a guaranteed feel-good meal. read more

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Cold Noodle Soup was better than expected for east LA (ELAC area) Korean food. Think this might be the only Korean restaurant in the whole area? Banchan was fresh and better than expected too. Cold noodles came with mustard and white vinegar on the side which was nice because I don't want much of either in my broth. I asked for non-spicy. Broth was okay but they put in the extra effort to add ice on bottom of noodles and have the broth slushy in another container. The cold noodle toppings were fresh. I wasn't feeling well (covid negative), maybe new cold or flu going around. Korean cold noodle soup is my go to anti-inflammatory meal. Next closest Korean restaurant would be in DTLA or maybe 626 for east LAers which is far for takeout. Interior is like other comfort Korean restaurants, enough for me to expect Korean speaking staff. Staff and dine in customers were not Korean...it's ELAC area, so not a heavy Korean population community. It's located in a busy plaza with other casual meals like Yoshinoya, Ono, grilled chicken, etc and a Daiso. Would I come here again? Yes because it's the only Korean food in the area and okay enough to go back to. Really it was their banchan and freshness of cold noodle toppings that sold me to be open to return. read more

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I used to come here a while back and decided to order a japchae to go. I understand that food prices have gone up in recent years but I paid almost $20 after tax for a measly portion of japchae. The to go order came with 2 tiny containers of the cheapest banchan that's offered in the sit down service which feels insulting. Sad to say I won't be coming back here again. :( read more

Overpriced for the mediocre quality of food. Might come back to try their steamed dumplings. Service was slow, food was meh, I was really hoping to like it because there aren't too many Korean places nearby in Monterey Park read more

The food was so good and so fresh. I got the cold Bibimbap with Bulgogi in it. Definitely a must! Especially all the sides that come with it are so good. The space is perfect for a small party of 2-4. And the service was kind and quick. The guy server was so sweet and timid, but great service. The girl server was kinda rude but helpful. read more

We always order beef soon tofu, with extra beef. Use to be full of flavor and spices! Last 2 times broth had no color or taste. Tasted like hot beef water beef use to have so much flavor. Now its mostly fatty, low quality pieces. Will not be returning read more

We have been a customer of Lee's Tofu for almost 20 years when they were on the other side of Atlantic Blvd. This was our first time dining inside of their new location in the CVS plaza. We had such a good experience. Our family of 4 decided to order 3 entrees and share: Beef Stew, Combination Dumpling Tofu soup and Bulgogi and a Short Rib entree. The Beef Stew is like a soup with vegetables, which a friend had recommended for us to try during the pandemic. The flavor is so good, we have been ordering this when we take out food from here. The bulgogi and onions were very flavorful, too. This was the first time that we ordered the dumpling tofu soup and it was ok. Personally we would rather eat the dumplings pan fried. The short ribs had good flavor, but didn't fall off the bone. One of the things we look forward to are the side dishes here. Their cucumber kimchi and seaweed vegetable salad were our favorites. We kept asking for refills which is probably why we finished dinner feeling very full! The service was great and our server was excellent always coming around asking if we needed any refills of side dishes, etc. The food was quick to be served after we ordered, too. The dining room of the new location seems a little bit bigger than their old location. It was clean and still had a cozy feeling. We will definitely dine in again. read more

second time here and every time has been a solid experience. all the tofu soups here are very flavorful with lots of toppings (except the seafood which was just mini shrimp). the side dishes are a hit or miss, though. the cucumber kimchi is not ripe enough but the regular kimchi is good. other side dishes are simple, nothing to complain about. lee's tofu is a great place to come if you don't want to drive all the way to ktown read more

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We've been here twice now and it always hits the spot. The food is always good and consistent. While the main dishes are good, I'll be honest that our favorite part is the kimchi and cucumbers that come out first. The service is fast, we waited about 5 minutes before putting in our order and then it came out as it was prepared. First was the kimbop, then the rice, then the bulgogi, then the tofu soup. The ambiance is okay, nothing too special if I'm being honest. It is clean and there is ample seating. There is always a TV that is usually playing the news so we were able to learn a little about the upcoming hurricane while we dined. We will be coming back. read more

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I used to go to the original Lee's tofu when I was a kid. I have lots of fond memories there, the waitress that used to work there always gave me a watermelon flavored gum after our meals. Now the location has moved across the street, and I'm not sure if they have the same ownership, cooks, or wait staff as they did back then, but the food was just as tasty as I remembered. Our family of 4 ordered the Combo Dumping Tofu Soup + Beef Bulgogi, Spare Ribs, and the Beef Stew. Like most Korean restaurants, they hand out side dishes included with your meal for you to munch on before/with your meal. My family in particular couldn't keep our hands off of the seaweed salad, we had to ask them to refill it multiple times. The food came out quickly and was very tasty. Maybe it was the nostalgia of old times, but my family finished every last bit of our food, we were totally stuffed by the end of our meal! The Tofu soup was tasty, you get to crack the egg inside it yourself so you can choose how you like it, the spare ribs were well seasoned, and the beef stew was yummy as well. I recommend coming here to help support the local community, and also for the chance to get another stick of the watermelon gum read more

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A very nice medium sized tofu house, clean with good ambience & nice friendly servers. All the dishes we ordered were very tasty hot and fresh. Parking was a little tight around noon. Music was not overwhelming loud. The assorted sides were great. Check them out if you are in the mood. read more

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Parking: easy (parking lot) Wait time: No wait (once during 2PM, another time for 8:30PM dinner) Food ordered: 1. Beef and seafood tofu soup 2. BBQ short ribs, tofu soup combo Best tofu soup in SGV comparing to A Ri Rang and Young Dong. Everything was perfectly seasoned especially their side dishes. Although I've had better kimchi (yukdaejang's), I enjoyed their seaweed salad most. Like many Korean restaurants, they refilled all side dishes. I very much wanted to try new dishes here, but what I've ordered previously were so good I couldn't help but order the same thing my second time. Lunch combo did not come with a salted croaker like dinner combo. 10/10 would recommend and come back. My Recommendation to the restaurant: 1. Offer rice cakes in tofu soup (add-ons?) 2. Make a bibimbab+tofu soup combo read more

Pretty disappointed for the seafood and beef tofu soup that I had ytd night. Not much beef and just a bit seafood. Just get a lot tofu in the bowl lol read more

Had dinner here last night and they were very short staffed. There were a lot of open not bused tables. They had me sit at a large table which was freezing every single time another customer showed up and a lot did. I first got 3 banchans. Was wondering there when Kim chi and cucumber. Other guests who arrived later and sat next to me got a fish and Kim chi including the 3. I got the vegetable soon tofu with no rice. I didn't get an egg. The staff was running around so couldn't get their attention to get more water and the missing item. I've had much better with way better service. read more

Lee's Tofu - Only got 3 of the banchans. People around me got 5 (Kim chi & cucumber) - Korean Near Me - Monterey Park, California

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Location is near the cvs, and there's plenty of parking. The store sign is very unassuming and I even thought it was a cheap Korean place. But inside was actually quite nice and well designed. Inside was pretty quiet there was only a couple other groups, around 1:00pm on a Sunday Service was great no complaints, the people were very attentive and nice. Food prices are about expected for any tofu house, but they do have specials and combos listed on the walls, seems to cater to the college students probably. I ate with my family so we had quite a spread, japchae, tofu soup, spicy pork, spicy rice cake, chicken, spare ribs. I'll say it's all quite good and maybe a little below some of the more mainstream places like bcd. Some cons is the selection of side dishes was a bit limited like 5 compared to 8 in other places also no purple rice option. Though there white rice was quite nice and tasty. While this place wouldn't be my first choice, it definitely fulfills that Korean craving and if you want someplace quiet and you live nearby it's definitely a good recommendation. read more

Lee's Tofu - Came here with family, got to try quite a bit - Korean Near Me - Monterey Park, California

More than likely language barrier... however not friendly customer service. More than willing to point and blame customers for communication error... food isn't bad, what you expect from a korean tofu house. Kalbi is good, soup comes out hot read more

On a cold day just before Thanksgiving, these comfort food dishes warmed our tummies and hearts. Service was great. Only one server on a Sunday afternoon, but one very pleasant experience. We enjoyed watching the sports on TV. Just felt very welcomed. Thank you for creating the heart warming home-like ambiance. read more

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So glad there is a korean tofu soup restaurant close to work. I've been one of their customers when they were located across the street by Boston Market and they recently relocated to the plaza across with CVS and Wells Fargo bank. Parking is worst in this parking lot as the stalls are small and lot is shared with MANY other businesses. Be careful parking in this lot because nobody can park diagonally so there are a lot of people who double park or will park super close to you that entering your vehicle is difficult. This new location is also spacious and has better decor. Their last location looked old and run down. I haven't ordered anything other than their tofu soup but their menu has as good variety of options. I typically order their oyster tofu soup and it comes with rice, kimchi, pickled cucumbers and the sesame oil bean sprouts. It's definitely a good portion for lunch. I would say their spicy levels are very weak. I always order their medium spicy and it comes out extra red but the broth taste like mild to no spice. Probably will try to spicy next time since medium didn't cut it. Definitely would love to come back and try their other dishes such as the fried fish, spicy rice cakes and seafood pancake. read more

Food was good and service good good place to eat l Lot of parking and the price is fair read more

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If you're In the SGV and craving korean food, I wouldn't put this at the top of my list. The chicken teriyaki was good, and I thought the seafood pancake wasn't bad. But their rice was really watery- it almost was like porridge. They don't offer a great variety of side dishes compared to other spots. Last but not least, the service was less than average. The servers weren't attentive. We asked for extra napkins and chopsticks but they didn't come back with it (there was only 2 seated tables so it wasn't that busy that they'd forget???) We tried to flag them down for the check but to no avail. Overall, food isn't bad but service isn't great. read more

Food is always tasty and cooked to order! We have been coming here for years and quality hasn't faltered one bit. Keep it up! read more

Great spot. I had the beef stew and it was sensational. Loved all the sides it came with too. Love love kimchi! The staff is really friendly too. read more

Lee's Tofu - Beef Stew - Korean Near Me - Monterey Park, California

Combo special with BBQ Short Ribs, Tofu Soup, and Rice is pretty good! I recommend only getting the combo if your with someone or have a big appetite. Ribs were perfect and not over cooked and dry. Got the beef soup and it was good. Medium is a good level of heat if you like spicy in general. Cold Noodle spicy (has no soup) really hit the spot on a hot sunny day! Not spicy at all, make sure to mix it well with the noodles. Ban Chan/side dishes are surprisingly good! Kimchi, bean sprouts, spicy cucumber, salad, and radish. The my are definitely not shy with the portion. Service was superb, they are always around checking up on us, refilling water, and filling up our side dishes instantly. read more

Lee's Tofu - Cold Noodle! - Korean Near Me - Monterey Park, California

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Ordered like 7 dishes including the tofu soups (tried the beef, seafood, and dumpling!) and everything was sooo good! I wish they had a better location, because the food is so solid, and the service is super friendly. I wish more people would go out of their way to come here :') read more

A hidden gem in Monterey Park. The food was affordable and delicious. The service was also great and prompt. Their BBQ short ribs were surprisingly tender and melts in your mouth. I would definitely come back again. We ordered #11 BBQ short rib+Kimchi Beef Tofu Soup + rice #27 Kimbap #17 Japchae read more

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Wow! Someone please tell me HOW? How are there so many 5 star reviews? I shoulda known not to eat there at the first sign of, NO KOREANS eating there! I'm slipping! I always say, if you don't see any Korean people eating at a Korean restaurant, don't go! Same with any other ethnicity! So mad at myself! By the time I realized my rule book, it was too late, I was already seated at the table and ordered, noooo! I wanted to get up so badly and run but I stayed. My inner voice kept telling me cancel your order, emergency, had to run....but, I stayed and endured. It was just one bad decision after the next! The food came, it looked decent enough but, failed! Only thing that was decent was the hot pot of rice. I ordered the Bulgogi (kbbq meat), it was just a little too sweet for me. Can't stand when the meat taste is disguised with soy sauce and sugar. The only thing was decent was the miso tofu soup. The banchan seaweed I swear had sand in it. Didn't want to touch the other banchan dishes and banchan is usually my favorite part of eating Korean!!! I shoulda gone to Tofu Village instead! wah... read more

The Galbi was perfectly cooked to a medium well, the marinade wasn't too salty or sweet. Overall, a random Yelp search went really well tonight. Definitely coming back for more take out. I'm really happy to have found a place that isn't crazy expensive or super far. I have to take the 101/110 ramp to get into koreatown and it's HECTIC. I love Koreatown but sometimes the drive isn't worth it. The cucumber kimchi was FRESH and DELICIOUS! I could tell it was just made. I'm a huge fan of freshly pickled banchan. read more

Found this gem and wow it was amazing. Will definitely be going back. They have combo meals that come with your choice of meat, your choice of tofu soup, and rice. The combo meals range from $20-28, which is NOT bad for what you're getting. Along with all the banchan that they do replenish ! They ask if you want the fried fish and it was a reallllly good addition to the banchan ! Customer service was soooo awesome and they checked on us so many times and refilled our sides. I'm already thinking of when I should come back. read more

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I took a chance on this Korean restaurant and it doesn't disappoint! I'll start with complementing the young lady at the register. I didn't have my glasses and she took the time to read part of the menu for me. She was incredibly patient, kind and sweet. Thank you for helping me. I ordered the combo special of spicy pork with pork tofu soup. It's as good as BCD tofu house. It's perfectly seasoned meat with tender pork. The soup was flavorful and spicy. It comes with banchan and rice. One thing I have to point out is the soup container. it's packed in a foam container which sometimes tends to melt with hot liquids. I probably won't be doing take out because of it. But other than that, I recommend the menu items mentioned above. read more