We had a good lunch at the Red Chili. This is very much a one-woman show. I'm guessing that's why not all the menu items were available. We ended up ordering kimchi, chicken bibimbap, crispy rice, and hot ginseng tea. As another reviewer pointed out, there are no vegetables on the bibimbap. We did get a fried egg, though, as a paid option. The flavor was good - slightly spicy and slightly sweet (my husband thought it was too sweet). The crispy rice was good but too sweet for both of us. The Kimchi was delicious but not spicy at all. (We would have liked it even more if it were at least a little bit spicy.) It seemed like the dishes here have been tailored to accommodate American tastes. Bottom line: the food is good, but not quite what we expected from a restaurant known for authentic Korean cuisine. read more

Tasty Korean food w a local twist. Got the Bibimbap--larger beef portion as I shared some. Had an egg on it as it was served in a Dolsot stoneware--very tasty, just wished it had some veggies like the traditional one(spinach and carrots). They were out of pork so got the spicy chicken version and was good. Service was surprisingly good considering the owner was working all of it w ease on a late Sat afternoon. And lastly the kimchi was good as she makes it there and was fresh, which is my preference. Great lunch on the way to the lake. read more

Authentic Korean cuisine. I love the Bibimbap and the veggie pancakes she used to make.

Very good for where it is, it's authentic Korean food. The lady who owns it is from south Korea. It's kinda expensive but still good. The potstickers are good for an appetizer, comes with a mango type dipping sauce it's really good. read more

Impressed! The owner was the only one running the whole show the day we went. I must say she did an awesome job. The food was fresh and tasty. Can't remember the exact name ,but it was some type of Beef with sweet potato noodles. The spring rolls were fantastic! Definitely recommend if you're in the area. The wait will be worth it! read more

This is a quirky place near the end of downtown. It's small inside with seating for maybe 25 people. They do have a couple tables outside, at least in nice weather. The dining area can get warm in the summer since there is only a window type air conditioner, but they also have fans. Appetizers are all excellent. We have had the spring rolls, mondu (pot stickers), and the Asian pancake. Spring rolls typically come with shrimp, but that changes. The dipping sauce is pineapple based with a little heat. The mondu is great. The Asian pancake is also very good, and makes a great meal. The red chicken is probably my favorite, but I have tried most of the menu items and have not yet found anything I did not like. The yellow curry is excellent, especially with the egg. I also like they have some cold dishes available for the summer. It is important to know they do not take credit/ debit cards. They also can get crowded, especially since they have limited seating. Make note of their hours before going as they are primarily a lunch place with only Friday evening dinner. Regardless when you go, you will find excellent food. read more

Best Korean food ever. Kimchi is super? BE BIM BOB is my favorite. Bonnie Kate Theater

So I'm a fanatic for all things Korean. While researching places to eat on Yelp for my upcoming trip to Elizabethton, I was surprised to discover there was a Korean restaurant in town. Yay! Red Chili went to the top of my short list of places to try while I was in Carter County, Tennessee. Mid-week, headed down to Red Chili at the tail end of lunch time. Red Chili is right on Elk Avenue in the heart of the quaint shopping district of Elizabethton, nestled among lots and lots of antique shops. I stood outside the restaurant and perused the menu prior to placing my take out order. The offerings are very limited and looked suspiciously inauthentic and Americanized. I chalked it up to the restaurantuers knowing their market and limited access to authentic ingredients. I was disappointed that neither bulgogi or kalbi were on the menu. I went inside and was immediately struck by how small, hot and dark it was. I also noticed that the restaurant was being run by only two people (presumably a caucasian husband and Korean wife team.) Both were sweating profusely due to the warm weather (85 degrees) and lack of adequate air conditioning. I was glad I was ordering take out. I placed my order for four dishes at 1:08 pm and was told it would be 25 minutes til my order was ready. There was only 2 other tables dining it at that time. I figured that the long wait time might be an indicator that the food would be really fresh and well-prepared. I toddled off to a nearby antique mall to kill time while I waited for my food. I returned at 1:45 pm and my order was just being completed. I was glad my instincts told me it would take them more than 25 minutes to get my order ready. I would not have been happy if I had to wait in the sweltering heat for my food. Got back to the house and we all shared each others orders. Since they didn't have any take out menus, I don't remember the names of what I ordered. The best thing we got was Mom's cold buckwheat noodle salad with chicken, greens and a nice sesame dressing. Very tasty. My only complaint is that they dressed it. They should have put the dressing on the side because the next day the greens were really wilted. But it was still delicious a day later. I ordered was crunchy noodles with chicken (I don't remember what they called it). It was pretty decent, although the noodles weren't really crispy and reminded me quite a lot of lo mein. I can't quite put my finger on what flavorings went into it, but it was slightly sweet and tasty, but nothing special and certainly not authentic. Left me asking myself where the heat was... The one thing I didn't try was the Bibimbap, which although my stepfather really enjoyed it, it was NOT EVEN REMOTELY authentic. I was shocked when I opened the container. It was just rice and meat!!! Where were the veggies? Since he had never had Bibimbap he didn't know he should be disappointed, so I guess that was okay. I didn't rain on his parade and tell him his order was jacked. Finally, and most aggravating was my "Kickin Chicken" which claimed to be similar to sweet and sour chicken (suspicously NOT Korean). It was an unabashed disaster. The bok choi had rotten leaves on it. The fresh pineapple was turning to alcohol. The HUGE chunks of breaded and fried chicken weren't cut properly so that the grain of the chicken was going the wrong way. The chicken also became a soggy mess in the sticky sweet sauce (which was tasty). The red peppers and purple onions in the sauce were delish and were the only thing really salvagable in the dish. The chicken was really disgusting. And where was the heat? Helloooo... Korean food should have some KICK! Kicken Chicken, where are youuuuuuuuu??? And WTF... there was no kimchee in any of the orders, which I would think should be a forgone conclusion with Korean food. It's like ordering Italian take out and not getting rolls and butter. meh. So the my experience was mixed. Definitely NOT a place to go if you're looking for authentic Korean. It's more just Pan-Asian. They had a few Japanesy type dishes, in addition to the Chinese influenced choices. There was nothing on the menu purely Korean. Some of the food was good, as long as you don't have preconceived notions about how things should or should not be prepared. Cash and check only. No credit cards accepted. No kids meal offerings. They have one cute little table for outdoor seating if you want to people watch and escape from the heat inside. Open Wednesday through Sunday. read more

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This is my favorite place to eat in Elizabethton! I love the food here. My favorite is the chicken Be-Bim-Bob! It is so good, a little hot temperature wise, but very delicious! It is my ultimate craving in the winter months! read more

Disappointed with the food. All the three meals we ordered were too sweet. Too much sugar and it was too overpowering. We couldn't eat the rice and had to throw it away because it had so much sweet sauce in it. It's not healthy to eat that much sugar in the food. Also, It's our first time ever to eat a bibimbap and japchae without the veggies. There's so many lacking with those dishes we ordered. Not an authentic Korean food. We will not be ordering again:( read more

This place is amazing. If you're interested in atmosphere, gimmicks, or a cookie cutter restaurant this is not your place, but if you're looking for amazing food, quality ingredients, and fresh preparation, you can't do better. read more

The Food was Amazing I don't Really like spice But the spice was perfect and flavors mixed perfectly. The service was quick and excellent. I would definitely recommend read more

We ate there again today. Totally different experience. The place does not look clean. Service was slow with one older lady doing it all, taking orders, cooking, and checking you out. Food was fairly good but the environment is not good. Wait staff and cleaning is badly needed. read more

The red chicken is amazing! You can enhance the level of spiciness. Spring rolls are also a great appetizer. The owner is friendly and really cares about producing a quality meal. read more

Red Chili - Red chicken - Korean Near Me - Elizabethton, Tennessee

In a little unassuming cafe at the 97-year-old Bonnie Kate Theater sits a gourmet level Korean-American fusion restaurant. Amazing food at very reasonable prices. The owner-chef, Minae, makes Korean dishes accessible to the America palate. I've never had a bad dish. One hint: almost all the dishes are low in hot spiciness, but you can ask for heat from 1-10, 10 being for only the most adventurous heat lovers. This humble foodie unreservedly recommends. read more

Authentic Korean food. Pleasantly surprised, however... we went specifically to sit outside on a beautiful day, but to say they have outdoor seating is a farce. read more

Red Chili - Outdoor seating is one table in front of the restaurant. - Korean Near Me - Elizabethton, Tennessee

Wow. This is so delicious! And so authentic!!! Had the red chicken and it's perfect! Good service in a cool space in the old theatre. We will be back. read more

Great food with authentic Korean cuisine. Friendly service with knowledgeable staff. Cozy atmosphere where you can get to know the owner and staff. read more

Excellent service and stellar food! My favorite place to go when I need a comfort meal. The veggie spring rolls with mango dipping sauce and the Bi Bim Bob are my favorites. read more

Portion size is slightly smaller, but taste really good! We have the bi bim bop, summer kimchi bi bim bop and the beef chop jaun. They are all very delicious. The restaurant is a bit small 7 tables, waitress and staff are really nice. Wait time is not long at all. Open only on wed thurs and sat only Worth to try it! Will definitely come back! read more

Red Chili - 30. Summer kimchi bi bim bop - Korean Near Me - Elizabethton, Tennessee

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A delicious and authentic gem nestled in the mountains of East TN. I was surprised to hear there was a Korean restaurant in Elizabethton so we had to come see what all the Bi Min Bop was all about. Upon entering I hear and see a lively Korean couple chatting and cooking away back in the kitchen. Results? Great food, great pricing, great service and happy stomachs. read more

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Excellent service! Excellent food! I got the yellow curry and it surpassed my expectations. Only wish it had just a touch more heat but still delicious. I will definitely be coming back. We tried a teriyaki chicken (for My picky son) and My wife had the Blu Chicken (pan fried chicken tenders in a ginger sauce. read more

Red Chili - Korean Near Me - Elizabethton, Tennessee

I would actually consider this place to be a local treasure. There are a few quality of life changes that could make this a 5 star rating, but it is still one of the most solid Korean joints I've been to in the area. It is important to note that they do not accept credit/debit cards. You have to pay with either cash or check. The hours are also a bit wonky, so going for lunch is probably your best bet. The food is amazing. My highest recommendations are the yellow curry chicken and the blue chicken. It's hard to go wrong with any other item on the menu, but those are my two favorites. UPDATE: They have now moved into the Bonnie Kate. There have been a few changes to the menu and they now DO accept credit/debit. read more

Inaccurate online menu prices and poor customer service. Small portion sizes. Disappointing experience.

Excellent!! Came two days in a row. I'm originally from Elizabethton and had to come stay with my mom following her surgery . I had forgot about it being here so when I found it I was glad I did. The only criticism I have is that they need menus that would explain what's in each dish they offer. People around here are not familiar with Korean food so explanations are needed. read more

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So glad I finally got to try this place. It was delicious and exceeded my expectations! The bi bim bob was full of flavor. Crunchy spring rolls were great. Everything on the menu sounded good, and I can't wait to try more. One of the best places I've ate at in the tri cities. Only "complaint" would be that I really appreciate when trying out a new ethnic place there is someone that sort of helps and explains dishes to me. Most people in JC aren't familiar with Korean food so it is nice to have a little guidance upon first visit! read more

I have been here several times and I always enjoy the bibimbap. It is crazy hot when it comes out but you have to try it with the egg cracked on top. I have heard that the blue chicken is great too. Just trust the menu and I don't think you could go wrong. There is not a lot of seating and the smell of the yummy food kind of sticks to your clothes, but it is all part of the experience. This is a place you have to try if you're in the area. Make sure you check the days and hours they're open. read more

Was shocked to see Red Chili below four stars on Yelp. It seems a single review from very early in their existence has dragged them down, possibly unjustly. What I can tell you is that a Korean/Asian restaurant's continued existence in Elizabethton, TN is a testament to its quality and ability to draw non-native business. First and foremost let's admit the shortcomings of Red Chili, especially space. Red Chili is housed in an older Elizabethton building without central HVAC. They manage the climate as best they can but yes, it does get warm in there in the summer--which makes carrying out during the warm months a wise decision. As for the food, I have never been to Korea, but I have had plenty of Americanized Asian foods versus more authentic fare. Red Chili falls decidedly on the authentic side of the spectrum flavor-wise. And yes, most of their dishes do include kimchee--why that was not the case in 2009 I cannot say. My personal favorite is the Yellow Curry Chicken, which can be served with a fried egg on top for extra flavor and protein. They will adjust the spice to your liking. I usually tell them to "light me up" and they oblige to a satisfying degree: not a nasty, overbearing level of spice but warm, piercing addition to the creamy flavors of the curry gravy. My wife is a big fan of the Bi-Bim-Bap, which is served in an impressive fashion in a special pot. Give Red Chili a shot if you are in Elizabethton--and please, give them a fair and honest review when you are done. read more

Ok. I finally have a reason to go to Elizabethton for food. This place is a Gem. The waitress was amazing. I would request Nicole every time The food was awesome. There is no way that their prices are too high. The quality and flavor is so worth it. I had the blue chicken. It was absolutely amazing. read more

Red Chili - Blue Chicken!!!! - Korean Near Me - Elizabethton, Tennessee

Admittedly, this review is outdated, at the very least. I drove down here with my dad, trekking from Knoxville to introduce him to some semblance of Korean food back in 2007. This, mind you, was right after I had returned from a year in Korea (and a year+ in Los Angeles and Orange County, California, where Korean restaurants are plentiful). I was a bit disappointed. The people working the restaurant (a very nice couple, made up of a Korean woman and her American husband) were very nice and attentive. I asked about (fermented soy bean stew), and though it wasn't on the menu, the wife went ahead an made it for me. It was ok, but nothing above the most basic dish. The disappointments came with things like bibimbap and dishes I was hoping would be a little more "traditional" and friendly to the American palate. My dad got the bibimbap, and when it came out, it was more akin to a Panda Express bowl. It was mostly beef with a sweet/savory sauce served over rice. It was almost as if we'd ordered a dish from an Americanized "Chiense" restaurant. I didn't want to criticize as this was my dad's first experience with Korean food. My dish, the soup, was OK, but beyond the basic soup base, it felt a little detached from the original. My main suggestion for the place would be for it to go back to the basics, prepare the dishes as they were meant to be served traditionally, and not pander to American tastes. People want to taste authentic Korean food, especially if they are driving more than an hour to get there. The 4 and 5 star reviews are all written by folks who have no idea what Korean food is supposed to taste like. If this place wants to bill itself as being a fusion restaurant, so he it, but they cannot, in good faith, consider this joint a Korean restuarant. read more

I've been to Elizabethton for many years fishing and never knew this existed. What a surprise........... Excellent everything..........

Excellent food made with a lot of passion and true taste of Korean food. I recommend everything on the menu. read more

Red Chili - Yum!!!! - Korean Near Me - Elizabethton, Tennessee

This is the very best restaurant in the whole area! I have eaten here many times and I have tried lots of different dishes, and they were all superb. Everything on the menu is good. I order my food with a spice level of 6 or 7, and that is just right for me as I enjoy spicy food. If you don't like spicy that's ok! Just tell your waitress. I LOVE RED CHILI!!! read more

The food is fresh, the atmosphere is extremely casual. I found everything that we ordered to be overpoweringly sweet, which shocked me because my stepmother is Korean and her food is never like that. Not sure what to make of it. I will give them another try and see if I can find something I like. read more

My wife is recovering from a year long battle with long haul Wuhan covid. Twice her lungs collapsed earlier this year and she has been bedridden for 8 months. She started walking again a few weeks ago and has been working on building her strength. She wanted to go to Red Chili in Elizabethton for dinner as a huge treat since we haven't gone out to eat in over a year due to lockdown and being struck down by Wuhan covid. I helped her walk inside and sit down at a sticky table and greasy benches. I noticed that the owner was by herself in the kitchen. My wife was super excited to be there and a little tired . Well alot tired. But still she was happy to be out and about. The owner lady blew by our table and told us we couldn't order for an hour. She was kinda dismissive and rude. ( Probably why she has no staff , hence sticky and greasy everything). Her food may have been good at one time. But her rudeness took the wind out of my wife's sails. I will never cross that threshold ever again. Unless it's to remodel after this business goes under. The owner forgets who is important in her business. The hard working people that pay for her cookery. 1 star and the big X. read more

The food is great, pretty darn authentic Korean food. The chef came out to chat with us and see how we liked the food. Portion sizes were just right and the BYOB was nice to allow each (3 couples)to bring & share a bottle of wine. It is a small place so get there early. Only bad thing I have to say is that because of the small size, one loud party can make it difficult to hear even the person across from you. read more

This is the best place for Korean/Asian in Elizabethton. My only wish is they were open more often. The food delicious, great variety, and priced reasonably. I loved the iron skillet crackeled rice dishes. read more

ABsolutely amazing!! Had the kickin chicken and it was delicious! Staff was very friendly! will definately become a regular at this place!

This place is terrible. It wasn't that busy and the waitress didn't even acknowledge we were sitting at a table. After about 15 minutes we left without a word from the waitress. Terrible customer service do not go there. read more

Hidden gem. Worth the drive every time for the quality of the food. My first recommendation of restaurants for folks traveling to Eastern TN. read more