It’s not easy to park there, and it continues to have service issues, but 5 Star Korean BBQ has endured for two years now, and it must be because its food is so good.
Pro tip: you can avoid the parking hassle and bad service by ordering through EatStreet.
Let’s start with lunch. 5 Star offers six specials, all priced at $9.99. I loved the bul go ki beef. The tender meat is cut into bite-sized pieces, which I appreciate because I didn’t have to bite and tear with my teeth, and the marinade is not salty but a little sweet. Meanwhile, the sauteed carrots and onions add a contrasting crunch. It’s definitely enough food for lunch, as it also comes with kimchi and two fried potstickers.
Quantity is an ongoing theme. Most entrees are big enough for two, or at least you’ll have some leftovers for another meal. An example is the jop chae potato noodles ($15.99), which are elastic-y, an oddly enjoyable texture. Lots of flavor in this oily, sauteed dish, even though they forgot the shredded beef.
You’d better like kimchi, as that’s the only flavor you taste in the kimchi dumplings ($6.99 for six). Both the pork and kimchi are ground into a paste, though you still get some crunch. It’s actually quite delicious and bigger than I thought they would be–you can get them steamed or fried. Other appetizers include steamed tofu ($8.99) and a seafood pancake ($14.99).
The duk man doo gook soup ($12.99) is served piping hot. The broth is thin, not oily and has a subtle flavor. I was disappointed that I was mistakenly given the kimchi dumplings instead of beef dumplings. The rice cakes that come with the soup are bite-sized, flat oval dumplings (not like the other kind of rice cakes), and you also get a poached egg.
Among the Korean Grill BBQ selection, the oh sam bul go ki ($17.99) is worth ordering. It’s semi-spicy, tender sliced pork and tender squid in a chili sauce that really enhances the flavor of this dish and packs a small punch. Other entrees include beef short ribs ($24.99) and grilled mackerel ($16.99).
5 Star Korean BBQ is open for lunch and dinner Sundays and Tuesday-Saturday.
