This is THE spot for dolsot bibimbap in the twin cities. My only complaint is that they close at 9 while I tend to be a creature of the night. The service is on point. The pickles are on point. The tofu is on point. The dumplings are on point. The rest of the food is on point. The sauce is on point (and for sale!). There are always wacky TV game shows playing in the background, which only serve to augment the chill vibes. read more

Sole cafe is a delightful little mom+pop joint that offers a wide range of popular Korean dishes like bibimbap, bulgogi, and the essential pre-entrée banchan. The stone bowl bulging is especially good. The atmosphere is a little dark and hom-ey, but it ultimately feels like you're eating in someone's kitchen which is kind of fun. The house gochujang is sublime and is available for sale by the bottle... read more

This is my favorite place to get Korean food! The owners are amazing and wonderful. The food is also delicious. I was given the opportunity to go to Korea this summer, and honestly? I compared it to the food here at Sole Cafe. And for a lot of dishes, I preferred Sole. Especially for my kimchi jjigae! read more

Good little joint. Friendly owner and a waitress who rebounded. The pickles were delicious as were the entrees.

It was pay day and I decided to treat myself! I had the DOL SOT BI BIM BOP. This was served in a super-hot stone bowl so the rice on the bottom was super crispy. Of course, endless side dishes of Korean goodies. read more

Went here for the bi bim bap & was not disappointed! It was delicious and had the option to get it in a hot stone bowl. The only critique is that it is relatively expensive compared to other restaurants or delis that serve it. It's good, so I would go back. read more

If anyone wants really spicy food.. Try this location.. I ordered Dduckbokki which is a popular Korean food made from soft rice cake, fish cake, and the sweet red chili sauce. My wife really likes spicy but even she couldn't finish it.. But really good.. read more

Ate here for a late lunch with the boyfriend around 3pm. Ended up being the only ones in the restaurant at the time, but we didn't mind. The food was great, flavorful and perfect portions, and the service was attentive without being overbearing (how it can be sometimes if you're the only people eating). If we make it back in the area we'll definitely have to remember to come back! read more

Sole Cafe - Tofu jahpcha for me and jeyuk bokum for my boyfriend. Tasty! - Korean Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

We were there today for lunch around 1:15pm. I specifically went there as they have lunch specials that run until 2:30. We perused the menu as anyone normally would, then closed our menus and stacked them on the table as to notify the server that we were ready to order. We told our server we'd like the kimchi jigae and dolsot bibambap BOTH which were on the lunch menu. We specifically ordered these items as they were available on the lunch menu. The server took our order and didn't ask if we wanted the dinner or lunch size so we just thought we'd be getting the lunch as it is during the lunch hour and we ordered items on the lunch menu. When we received our bill after our meal, we were charged for the dinner size (even though we never asked for the dinner size). We questioned why we were charged the dinner price when both items were on the lunch menu and it is during the lunch time. The server then said she SAW us look in the menu, so she KNEW we wanted the dinner size. She, however, never bothered to ask which size we'd like at the time of ordering, so we just thought we'd be getting the lunch. She claimed we had the menus opened when we ordered (we did not, they were stacked on the table). It is the severs responsibility to ask if we'd like the dinner size if it's outside of the normal dinner hours. We ordered items that we available during lunch to get the lunch size and price. The servers then actually yelled at us, making false claims that we ordered from inside of the menu simply because we briefly glanced long before the server came to take our order and claimed they should not have to ask which size and just assume we wanted the dinner size at lunch which makes no sense. I could see if we ordered items that weren't available during lunch then yes, we'd expect to pay the dinner price. However, we ordered 2 lunch items and didn't ask for them in the dinner size but yet was still charged that price. Horrible customer service, horrible management and they handled the situation terribly. I used to be a regular here but I will not be coming back. If you want good Korean food and don't want to give your money to a restaurant looking for any opportunity to rip off their customers, I suggest Korea restaurant at the u of M or mirror of Korea down the road from sole. read more

The best beef bulgogi I've had anywhere, very tender high quality beef. It was early afternoon when we came in, and we were the only customers in the restaurant. Friendly staff of two, one of whom I believe was the chef. We were served so many small plates of food (i'm not sure what all of the dishes were) and they kept being replentished as we finished them, till we told the waiteress to stop. I have to believe this is the best Korean restaurant in the cities, though I have not tried them all. I found the large screen tv tuned to a Korean channel interesting rather than distracting, even though it doesn't fit in with the Korean inspired decor. I'll be back. read more

Loved how the cook/ owner came out and talked with me about what was in my food and how to eat it proper Korean style! This was my first experience with Korean fare, so I'm glad I went here! read more

New Years Eve has never been better. Dolsot Bibimbap and Manduguk (dumpling soup) were our entrees of choice. They came with an assortment of kimchi, all were delicious, especially with hot tea. The hosts were extremely welcoming and friendly. We left with warm bellies and happy hearts on an incredibly cold evening. read more

Excellent Korean food with a wonderful atmosphere! The ahjummas at this restaurant are like mothers to their customers and the food is worth every penny!! read more

I love supporting my local kitchens. But this time, I am convinced that I need to let others know not to waste money there.This is my 3rd time going there. My 1st and 2nd was really not great. But I thought it was just their off day the first two times. I am feeling a bit cheated because the Korean food flavors were off and the amount they served for the price. The reason for my comment above and the one star: 1. old food materials are used, ex: the fish cakes are hard! My dolsot rice was cooked with old oil. You can taste the old oil flavor. For the price I was charged, at least taste small hints of sesame oil or any non-outdated oil. The Japchea noodles were soo hard. Either it didn't soak properly or it was some older pre-soaked that got dried and re-soaked. I don't even want to say more about this. Flavors: The side dishes: What! no flavor. Only the kimchi was tasting like kimchi! Feeling like I paid for side dishes that were fermented or flavored. My japchae noodles were tasting like soy sauce only. Not a hint of seseme oil or any other flavors. I eat a lot of Korean food all over. This place may have forgotten its roots or has just become too comfortable with just making money. As for the soup, it a little better on taste, but barely any broth in bowl. I think the best tasting in my dinner tonight was the seafood pancake. Pricing: over priced. One would think that your paying over 12 bucks and you would at least get a medium size bowl of soup or dolsot. Nope you get a small. Everywhere else serves at least the medium sized bowls. In our side dishes, there were 3 slices of fish cake. I was going to ask for more, but later I realized its all hard. I didn't need to ask for more. We did ask for more kimchi side dish. It took a bit long to get back to us. We got the side when were about to leave. I feel bad for the waiters. I did leave proper tip for the workers. read more

I absolutely LOVE this place! After coming back from Korea, I would have crazy cravings and this is the only location that would satisfy that hunger! The owner cooks the food and is very friendly! She comes out of the kitchen on slower days and asks how the food is going and is willing to share any of her cooking secrets with you! I love the atmosphere and if you're a Korean TV Drama watcher, you'll get your fill of television here too (usually on during slower days). This location used to be a karaoke bar which is the reason for the television and has asked me if I wanted to! I will most likely take up the offer on a special day or something! =) I have tried most the items on the menu and none have failed my belly thus far! read more

Well all I can say is the food was nasty the cup they fill water in for my son to drink was filthy the quantity was cheap food over charge. I rather go eat at Korean Restaurant by SE University across from the TCF Stadium then this nasty place. Will post pic of the two cups they gave to my son. read more

This is the real deal, authentic, great service and honesty the best Korean food I have eaten. This is a jem in a world of fast food and mass marketed food. read more

3/27/2011 Our family went to Sole Cafe for a authentic Korean meal for our son's global studies class. We had made a reservation and our party of 10 was accomendated easily. We cannot say enough good things about the service and the food. We tried many of the dishes and we were able to be served family style. The owner and server were very welcoming and hospitable and were willing to explain to us the various dishes and how they were prepared. The restaurant was clean and cozy with a large screen TV playing a Korean channel yet our family could easily visit and enjoy each others company. Thankyou Sole Cafe for a wonderful experience- The E family read more

I am an addict to City Pages best Korean restaurant of the year, Sole Café. I just can't get enough of Kim's traditional Korean Cooking. I've been several times, tried many different dishes, and can't find one I don't like. The service can be slow at times, but keep in mind this is a family run restaurant and the food is to die for, making the occasional slow service easy to overlooked. The appearance of the restaurant is nothing to write home about, however, it is clean and quaint. The staff is helpful and kind, they clearly aim to please. Go visit Sole café, you're taste buds will thank you. http://www.citypages.com/bestof/2011/award/best-korean-restaurant-1843870/ read more

Terrible. If you are hesitating between two Korean restaurants on snelling ave, you should definitely go to Mirror of Korea. Not enough side dishes, poor customer service, and bad food quality. When I went to Sole Cafe last time, it was really crowded and there was just one server. She was busy dealing with at least four tables of customers at the same time and I even heard yelling from kitchen. So it took long to get food on my table. Had strong sympathy for the server. Please tell the owner to treat server there well and hire at lease one more server. Anyways, there are more Korean restaurants with better quality and customer service in town so you should look up online and never go to Sole Cafe! read more

I went here for dinner at 5PM on a Tuesday because Mirror of Korea was closed. My kids and I love Korean food so we thought we'd give it a shot because of the high ratings. Appearance: Stepping felt like stepping back in time with the wooden chairs, institutional flooring, and a little Korean roof above the bar area. It was clean and "cute" for a lack of better word. 1 Star for that Service: One Korean lady serviced the restaurant and she was prompt, polite, cordial, and spoke clearly. I appreciated that. 1 star for service Quality: We ordred the Soolongtang (beef brisket soup) , Seafood Soon (tofu Soup), and Pork Bulgolgi. The beef soup was gobbled up by the kids with rice. It was ok. The tofu soup had tiny, headless baby shrimps, chopped up squid,1 green mussel on half shelf, and tons of sliced up onions. Shrimps tasted dirty (because of the dirt still in their spines). Some of the squid was sour (not good news for squid, had to spit it out). Onions were very annoying since I am not generally used to having that much onions in my tofu soup. Generally, the Korean Restaurants I go to (mostly in Southern California and a few in the Twin Cities) do not have onions in them. There was also not an egg in it like typical. OK, so this is what I expect in Tofu soup: clams, salt water shrimp (ok, since we are in Twin Cities, I'm ok with replacing it regular shrimp but it needs to have the shell and head), oyster, an egg cracked in it. Onto the Bulgogi - I regret ordering the pork but this is a restaurant and as such, it should NOT be serving meat that is on the verge of spoilage or spoiled. Unfortunately, that was the case with our dish. Fatty meat that is off and some sour. 0 star for quality Value: So for 3 dishes and no drinks, the total came out to be $42. I remember this Japanese restaurant we went to a while back where the sushi rolls were half the size of most restaurants (about 1 cm thick for each slice) and a thinly (3mm thick) sliced piece of onion deep fried with batter was considered a piece of vegetable. So this restaurant reminded me of that experience and we never went back to that place again. 0 star for value So 2 stars total. Generally, I don't spend this much time writing a review unless it left quite an impression, whether positive or negative. Unfortunately, this place was the latter. read more

In my opinion the best Korean Cuisine I've had so far. Reasonable priced and you get so much food. The lady at the counter is very sweet and a bit sassy and fun! Food is delicious! read more

I have no idea how this place has such a high rating, I ordered the #14 on the lunch menu with beef, and I was served a bowl that was 90% rice with some sad little pieces of meat and veggies on the side. In addition to that, the rice touching the bowl got burnt and stuck to the sides and it was so hot I could barely even taste it. If you want tasty Asian food, don't waste your time here. read more

Disappointed in the quality of this place. It used to be really good. No one was in the restaurant and it was dinner time. I got a rice hot pot and there was a sizable chunk of frozen spinach in it. It was a hot pot and even that didn't melt the frozen spinach. I asked the server if that was supposed to be in my food. He came back and said no, but asked if I still wanted it while he held the frozen spinach chunk in front of me. If you don't want fresh food and small side portions, please come eat here. read more

The perfect addition to a chilly Saturday afternoon. I have been to many Korean restaurants in the Twin Cities and I have to say, this is my favorite. We ordered the Jahpchae, Kimchee Jjigae and the Tofu Dolsot Bibimbop. All were delicious with great flavor and authenticity. Also, great Korean game shows are always playing in the background! read more

Our family loves this tiny gem of a restaurant. The food is as authentic as it could be. Even my picky 10 year old loves to eat here. We have been coming here for over 5-6 years and this restaurant has never been a dissapointment. It is a small business usually being run by two people at a time so please do not expect a Burger King type delivery of food, but it is worth waiting for. Highly recommend it! read more

surprisingly the food was pretty good but the portions were small. the side dishes were very few compare to other places where usually the sides are about 7-9 small plates at least. maybe will stop by but probably not a frequent stop. customer service was very nice and we were the o not customers read more

Unpretentious and solidly delicious. The menu has all the typical dishes. We ordered the bi bim bap, bulgogi and daen-jang chigae. This is a great alternative my Mom's cooking. read more

The price is right but quality is average. The best part of the restaurant is the staff. The "aji ma's" (older korean ladies) are hilarious and love to chat. Very friendly and polite compared to some other korean restaurants. The food was good but definitely not 5star quality. It's a hidden gem of a spot but sometimes I like that its not super busy of a place to eat read more

Very pleased with our experience at Sole Cafe. We ordered the spicy pork bulgolgi, seafood pancake, and tofu japchae. The portions were between reasonable sizes and somewhat on the smaller side, but the flavor of each dish were excellent. We'll definitely return. read more

My daughter in law is Korean American and when we visited from out of town, we were eager to try the delicious Korean food she always directs us to. We were very very satisfied with the Sole restaurant. The Kim Chee was delicious, and I got a hot stone bowl dinner. One of the best things I've ever tasted. The owner came to the table and talked with us for a long time. She is a one woman wonder. Her mother taught her to cook and she is an apt student. We loved the time we spent there. read more

We enjoyed the bibimbop and the spicy pork and vegetables. They were delicious. A real treat were the samplings of Korean sides that we were served before and during our entrees. It is a small restaurant. Not fancy , just authentic Korean. We will most likely return when we are craving a bibimbop. read more

I visited this restaurant with some friends tonight for dinner. Hands down one of the worst dining experiences I have ever had. Not only was the waitress rude- making us wait 20 minutes before bringing us water despite the fact that we were one of just two groups of customers in the entire restaurant, angrily telling me that the wine was bad and I had to get beer instead without explanation, rolling her eyes when we ordered sake before informing us in an exasperated manner that they never have it and don't know why it is on the menu, bringing us different drinks than we ordered and not correcting it, generally acting put out and rude, telling us she hated it when customers just came in when there's already another table (what does that even mean??), not checking on us about our food, etc.- on top of the truly awful service and how easy I am to please (this is the first negative restaurant review I have ever written) the food was very mediocre and the portions so small that the price ($13- the most I have ever paid for a dish since I moved to St Paul) made me feel like I was being robbed. I ordered the Dol Sot Bi Bim Bop with beef, and the bowl was less than 1/3 full. On top of this there was hardly any meat at all, I found two small pieces (I counted) and after that nothing but the occasional minuscule shred... total rip off. I will definitely never be eating there again, a rare dinner out leaves me $20 poorer and full of regret and anger at the poor quality of food and service. read more

OH MY GOD. I could ramble for days about this place. Being from Boston and coming from a very Korean family I miss Korean food. I finally found somewhere I feel home at. The tofu kimchi with pork is TO DIE FOR!!!! It tastes just like how my mom makes it which is just unreal!!! The kimchi was well made. It all starts with HOMEMADE kimchi. Then the tofu was perfectly firm but the pork was just well marinated! I also ordered the dumpling soup!!! the broth was amazing. I loved the broth more than anything! The dumplings were perfectly cooked, they weren't even broken!! They were perfect fly in tact and the seaweed on top gave it a perfect texture win the soup. The side dishes. We went through multiple servings because it was so good! The cucumber kimchi wow oh wow. The chef even came to say hi! She took the time to talk to us and we got to tell her about how AMAZING her food is. I'm telling you guys, I've been searching for my go to Korean food restaurant and finally found that place!!! Love this place and plan on becoming a regular. read more

tried the dolsot bibimbap...I am an avid fan of bibimbap, it was pretty tasty with awesome side dishes. only complaint was how expensive it was for me as a student - $14.00 and I thought the portion was pretty small, and nothing compared to the one from Korea restaurant. read more