Sung Korean Bistro
| Address: | 700 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA |
| Phone: | +1 513-721-7864 |
| Site: | sungkoreanbistro.com |
| Rating: | 3.9 |
| Working: | Closed 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 4:30–9:30PM Closed |
Location
Photos 40
Reviews 14
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A Private User
FOOD POISONING! I went to Sungs on Friday night with and tried their shrimp skewers. Unfortunately, the shrimp were off, and over cooked to boot. I only ate about three of the tiny little shrimp before giving them up as spoiled. As a result, I spent most of Saturday in the bathroom. Even if they werent spoiled, I wouldnt have been pleased with this dish. The shrimp were small, and the green onions and peppers that were supposed to be on the skewers with them were scraps at best. Judging by my plate and the other dishes ordered by my table, their idea of, "traditional, authentic korean cuisine" appears to be to drown everything in sriracha. The food wasnt the only problem. The atmosphere was also abysmal. When you walk in the door, you are greeted by a very crowded, tiny little bar area. If we hadnt had reservations, I would have left before making it to the hostesss station, assuming the restaurant was overbooked. Once we were seated, it became obvious that this was not the problem, since the dining area was mostly empty. Dinner conversation was less than stimulating, since you could hardly hear each other over the bar noise and the other tables, thanks to the open floor plan. Needless to say, I wont be going back, and I recommend you stay far, far away.
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A Private User
Sung Bistro is a chic Korean restaurant in downtown Cincinnati. I went there for lunch with a couple of co-workers. I had a Kimchi-jigae while my co-workers had Dolsot Bibimbaap and a Box lunch respectively. Positives: 1. The food is good. Kimchi-jigae arrived boiling hot, just like it is meant to be. Dolsot Bibimbaap was sizzling hot too, like it is meant to be. I really liked the kimchijigae and my co-workers agreed that their dishes were good too - the box lunch was americanized, but that is expected. Banchan options were limited to kimchi, potato and mushrooms, but there may be more at dinner - the menu said 6 banchans 2. The ambience is good. The entire restaurant has a very contemporary feel to it. 3. The service is great. The server was very friendly and offered to mix the dolsot bibimbaap for us. Negatives: 1. They serve very little banchan. Extra banchan is $1.50 per plate or $6 for a selection of 6. 2. Cost: One lunch can set you back by $13-16 per person excluding taxes and tips. That is steeper than Im usually willing to pay for lunch
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A Private User
Critics hit Sung Bistro hard for not being "authentic." Instead, they praise Riverside in Covington which incidentally was Sungs venture before moving to the more upscale-urban-fusion formula found at Sung Bistro. Our areas two fine Korean diners only remaining affiliation is competition. Sung Bistro will not disappoint on service or food, but you may not be incredibly impressed either. My greatest complaint is that, while overtly a fusion restaurant, one aspect the restaurant refuses to compromise is the rice paradigm. Twice I have been told there is no rice substitution, there is no whole grain brown rice, and when I ask for no rice, extra vegetables are not made available. I simply would like Korean flavour without the unnecessary carbs. I enjoy myself enough to have visited a dozen times or so since they opened and I will likely return. However, I return knowing there are better options, but many many many worse in Cincy.
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moz L
I have been there two times for obviously I found it okay the first time. What I had gone through the second time is something very very rare, or that is the only time I was insulted by an Asian-face waiter in my entire life of dinning in restaurants. That male waiters disturbing service that showed no respect but contempt or animosity made me wonder: Did I kill his father or what? He either ignored or intentionally postponed for a long time ( only two tables were taken in the whole place at the time)my requests spoken in a polite way over and over again, requests like: a cup of hot water, some napkins, more rice, bring the check. All in all, their food is no better than any other Korean restaurants in greater cincinnati area, yet the price are set higher than most places. I would definitely discourage any of my friends wishing to go dinning in there.
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Paul McGuire
A coworker and I went to this place one night (having a conference in Ohio) and liked it so much we went back the next night. Service/staff are one of the highlights of this establishment - waitresses were super patient and nice (taking the time to listen to us and talk to us about the food). The food is a bit pricey so expect to spend a little but that said, the food is pretty good (uploaded a picture). The atmosphere of the restaurant was perfect (not too bright, very authentic looking). There is a bar right as you enter (to the right) and quite a few tables that are spaced apart very well. Food A+, staff A+, and cost is a bit high. I definitely recommend this place.
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A Private User
Sung is a beautiful romantic spot for downtown dining. The restaurant is elegantly decorated in black and red. They have soft lighting and cozy tables. They have a great list of signature cocktails including infused sake. Wait staff is accomodating without hovering. This bistro is for a diner who wants to savor their meal. However if you are on a timeframe they will speed up the service. The prices are typical for downtown if eating better than a burger. The food is delicious and well presented. This is a great place to take a date.
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A Private User
With its dimmed lights and furniture, it sets itself apart from the outside. If you want to look classy, eat here. But what about the food? I had corn tea and a bulgogi lunch. The beef was very juicy, and I enjoyed the sushi that came with it. Although this isnt the sort of place youd eat at by yourself, Id definitely bring an out-of-town friend here
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Kevin S
good but not worth it. $14 for a bowl of rice with veggies and a few bites of chicken. Waiter asked if we wanted brown rice or white, we said brown. we get our bill and they added $2/bowl for "brown rice", which is absurd. I think they were making enough money charging $14 for basically a bowl of rice. the extra $2 was insulting.
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brett palmer
The cost per person was a splurge! We had appetizers, sushi(another appetizer), main entree, and then dessert! The food and atmosphere is great- the service was top notch. Very trendy atmosphere where the staff does their very best to make you feel welcome.
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Jacob Knerr
Very good food here. Ive had a stone bowl and the dak bulgogi and both were delicious. Just make sure you let the food from the stone bowl cool on your fork for a second, otherwise youll burn your mouth! Good service. Would recommend.
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A Private User
Being a Korean-American myself, I do hope this restaurant to do well. But I have to say that it was the worst Korean food I ever had at one of the highest prices Ive ever paid for a Korean dish. Hope they improve.
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Josiah Young
The food is well prepared. The atmosphere is nice. The drinks are excellent. And the owner works hard to ensure your visit is pleasant. Always enjoy going back for some tasty Korean cuisine.
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Michael Teo
This is a bit more like a korean fusion restaurant rather than a traditional one. Tried the hot stone bowl Bibimbap. It also comes with small side dishes typical for Korean restaurants.
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HIEP LE
Food is alright, not as good as other Korean restaurants nearby for the price they are charging. Do not get the bulgogi. Server (Kirsten) is quite insincere and rude by rushing us out.
