Sole Cafe
| Address: | 684 Snelling Ave, St Paul, MN 55104, USA |
| Phone: | +1 651-644-2068 |
| Site: | solecafe.weebly.com |
| Rating: | 4.2 |
| Working: | Closed 11AM–8:30PM 11AM–8:30PM 11AM–8:30PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 22
A
A Private User
Having moved back to the cities after a year-long stint in Korea, I finally made it to Sole Cafe after the recommendation of a grocer from Kims Oriental Market. After trying nearly all the other local Korean restaurants, this is the closest it comes to the real deal. Dont be fooled by the older reviews, Sole Cafe re-opened under new management this year and the food is about as authentic as youll find. So far, Ive tried: Tak (Chicken) Bulgogi - Delicious. Far better than youll find across the street at Mirror of Korea. Dwenjangjigae (Spicy Tofu Soup) - Good, but the cook/owner makes it a little spicy for many American tastes. You might want to ask for it mild if youre not accustomed to Korean spice. Bibimbap (Veggie/Egg/Beef Dish) - Cook accommodated my request for no meat. This dish was better than either Mirror of Korea or Hobans version. My only complaint is that it was served in a cold bowl rather than a steaming stoneware dish. As per traditional Korean, she serves many side dishes with your order. They were all exceptional. The vegetables and kimchi were all fresh and well-prepared. Just note that the staff is somewhat barebones (often the owner herself is only employee -- cook and waitress), so dont be surprised the wait is a bit on the long side. If youre a fan of real Korean food, dont miss out on this one! If only theyd get bokbunjaju and shikye, Id be a seriously happy camper.
GA
GaoNou Her
I was not please with this place my dish and the owner/cook. I love Korean food and have had plenty in my life. First thing is portion was very small compared to the price. I ordered Japchae, a dish that Ive always order when I go to a Korean restaurant. This dish is a noodle dish, stir fried with meat and vegetables. When I got the dish, noodles were harder and chewing then normal so I asked the waitress to send it back to have it cook longer to soften the noodles. The dish came back and the noodles were still hard. I told the waitress to send it back and I dont want it anymore. The cook/owner came out and asked the reason why I sent it back I told her my reasons. She started to explain how she cooks the noodles. I informed her that Ive had this dish many times at other restaurants. She then looked at me and said. "Next time dont order this dish anymore order something else.." my experience there was not the best. I will not return there and would not recommend anyone to go there. There are other places with better Korean food.
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Taelan Baylor
I lived in Korea for 6 years so know what good korean food is. This place aint bad. Simple, quaint, and not pretentious--which I like. As usual with Korean restaurants in America the selection was watered down. Both times I had the yookgyejang and it was spot on. I ought to try something else, but I think I chose that dish twice for a reason... like I said, watered down simple menu... or it was just darn cold outside. I tried barking korean at the waiter saying all the nasty things korean say to each other. She wasnt having it. She knew i was faking and waited for me to talk nicely.
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Dean Hoover
There are only a couple places that appear in the Minneapolis area for Korean food, and this one was the highest rated. Overall I thought the food was not very spicy, and didnt have any kick to it at all. I know that I could have asked for some, but that is usually for those whove been there before, and when I visit other places I expect a little bit of spice in the dishes, as is the culture. Service was extremely good.
CL
Claire Tenscher
Best Korean food Ive found in the Twin Cities. I only get one thing though, Bibimbap sans-egg. The flavors are clean, the veggies are well done, and the rice is always nicely caramelized in the bottom of the stone bowl. The atmosphere is nothing fancy, but it was a great place for a work lunch. There is usually a TV on. They do serve beer as well.
AM
Amber Ellering
The bipimbap in the hot pot was delicious, I would recommend that. However the pork was cold and had clearly been cooked ages ago, scary from a food safety perspective. I enjoyed the pickled veggies, but we had severe gastrointestinal distress after eating here a couple weeks ago. (Im used to eating kimchi). Im worried about food safety here.
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A Private User
In the Korean "quarter" of St. Paul, this quaint little restaurant serves quality Korean fare with warm hospitality. The tasty food and great service make this a wonderful place to dine. Usually the chef visits with customers. The beef bulgogi and dumplings are outstanding. Complementary tea keeps flowing throughout the meal.
JO
Johnny Sanngoen
Has a nice bar.Had girls screaming and talking pretty loud at the time I was eating there.Food was good.Each meal came with the side dishes and my girl got her side dishes but I never got my side dishes.Overall the food was good and the waiter was hard working and constantly moving.
A
A Private User
A taste of Korea in the Twin Cities - wonderful spicy soups, delicious pancakes, amazingly tender beef (apparently marinated for a week - and NO MSG!). Great prices, charming service and tasteful Korean decoration (without being tacky). We truly enjoyed our dining experience!
KE
Kevin Gallatin
Absolutely love this place! The Dol Sot Bibimbop (mixed-up rice and vegetables in a searing hot stone bowl) is my favorite dish. The rice crisps up on the stone bowl and the house-made gochujang sauces sweet and slightly spicy flavor really balances the sear.
DA
david v
Wow, spent over 30 bucks on take out on 2 items. But got half a box of food in each container. dont trust the reviews online this place is not as good as people say it is. Portion size is small for the money.
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Joel Rogness
Asked the server to recommend something that only Koreans order - I got a delicious brisket noodle soup that was refreshingly gentle. The zany Korean game show on the big flat screen made it awesome.
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Jackie LaVaque
Best Korean in St Paul. Small, cozy place and the owner is super nice. She uses local ingredients when in season. Worth the drive here from all areas of the Cities!
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Jovy Rockey
Delicious food. As a group we tried a variety of dishes and really enjoyed them. Not fancy. Just local, authentic feel with no frills. Will definitely go back.
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Shane Cameron
This is a great Korean dive. The food was really good and I got excellent service. The atmosphere was pretty seedy and the prices were relatively low.
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Wade Hassel
The staff was quite friendly. The restaurant cozy with little wood tables. Prices were quite reasonable, but the food was mediocre for a restaurant.
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Anthony Whittington
This is a perfect representation of a humble korean dive with warm comforting food and quiet atmosphere. Warm smiles and cold beer with no pretenses.
JU
Julianna McGrane
Food tastes just like it did in Korea! This place serves true authentic Korean food, hands down my favorite Korean restaurant in the twin cities.
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Eva Cain
The food is incredible and the staff is super friendly! One of the best meals I have had in a long time, I cannot recommend Sole enough.
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Megan VanVickle
Always great service and awesome good. I spent a year in South Korea and this olace brings me right back. Plus they always remember me.
A
A Private User
Food is great, service is great! My favorite korean restaurant of all the ones Ive been to in MN. I love that they dont use MSG.
TI
Tim LaPean
Great food, quick service. They also have Saki, which was a welcome, unexpected surprise. Extremely reasonable prices.
