Happy Bibimbap House
| Address: | 635 Chemeketa St NE, Salem, OR 97301, USA |
| Phone: | +1 503-585-1530 |
| Site: | happybibimbaphouse.com |
| Rating: | 4.7 |
| Working: | 11AM–2:30PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM Closed |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 8
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Kamielle James
After a long 9-5 day and a two hour commute, my husband and I stopped in for a quick dinner. I feel amazingly rejuvenated, full, and happy- so much so, that I wish I wasnt full so I could go eat it all again RIGHT NOW! Having worked in a Korean Restaurant and lived in Asia, my standards for Korean food are high. More so because I love good food and expect great service. Happy Bibimbap gets 5 stars from me! We usually order out. The portions are generous, there are many amazing side dishes, and the owner always throws in something extra. I also love that she puts a hand written "thank you" on a to go box. Heads up to non-religious folk, the message usually says "sending you Gods blessings"- but we are not religious and usually interpret it as a sweet, loving message. Its pretty cute. This evening, we ate in and it was the best experience! We were so hungry, and after our orders were taken, we got side dishes right away which was such a delicious relief. They kept the side dishes coming, gave us some pa jun pancake for free, and our main dishes were absolutely delectable. I dont want to go any where else in town for bulgogi, kalbi, or Japanese katsu ever again! We finished with a tasty orange to cleanse the palate. I cant shower this place with enough praise. The owner always comes around to see how things are going, and once I walked by at lunch to see it bursting with people, not surprisingly. You have to give them a try. So worth it.
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Theresa Whisenhunt
Went in for our first try this afternoon for lunch. We have been to several Korean BBQ places in the Portland area that we loved and wished there was something in boring bland Salem.... well we have found a new Salem favorite! The little side dishes were wonderful. The Kim chi was perfectly spiced, the sesame green beans are refreshing, marinade cucumber -I wanted to take a jar full home! I ordered the Kim chi jigae ( Kim chi stew with pork ) and Dan got the Kal Bi U Geo Ji Tang ( beef short ribs and veg with beef broth) both were traditional "clear your sinuses" Korean hot and boiling/simmering once arriving at our table. I made it a good 3/4 the way through my bowl full before throwing in the towel... it was so good I didnt want to stop but my stomach said otherwise. Dan finished his amid many sniffles and happy sounds. Dan rarely eats everything! Refills on your side dishes are available but you have to pay for soda refills (?) Fabulous food, quiet atmosphere even when packed and wait staff/owners were very attentive! We had plenty of food, even brought home a cups worth of my stew. With tip we spent a measly 28 bucks! We will DEFINITELY be back and with friends in tow next time!
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Jeremy Montgomery
I admit I hold high standards and I write this review reluctantly. I hate yelpers and wannabe food critics. I know first hand owning/running a restaurant is very hard work. But enough is enough. Myself and those in my work circle have all experienced a bad meal here, one way or another. Ive given them multiple trys. 4/5 times for me where sadly, disappointing and one meal was just strange. Aside from their unsettleing Christian messages writen on my togo containers the place feels skewed with dark energy. But the regular issues have been getting the food wrong on take out orders, Ive been short changed on portions and dealt with defensive staff when I was asking a question about my bill. Like I said, I dont like doing this but, the repetitive poor service compells me to let others know eating here isnt worth it. If you can find something else in this barren town. I will add I do appreciate this business for helping feed the homeless during off days.. They have a good heart. They seem like nice people, but its not worth it if you want normal service and a good meal at a fair price. 1 star for not getting me sick and 1 star for feeding others in need.
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Gabby Klein
As a person born and raised in Seattle, an area known for its amazing and abundant teriyaki and asian restaurants, I was incredibly impressed and delighted to find such amazing quality Korean and asian food here in Salem. I have tried other teriyaki places in and around Salem, and frankly wasnt very impressed, but Happy Bibimbap rescued me from a life without delicious asian cuisine! Fresh food, quick service and an incredibly welcoming host/owner combine to make one of the best restaurants Ive ever been to. I highly recommend the bentos, which are only $10.95 and come with large portions, as well as the seafood soup which has super fresh and tender octopus, shrimps, and muscles. Dont be afraid to try something new on the menu, because its all delicious!! Theres also a 10% student discount. I hope this place stays around forever, because Salem needs this kind of fresh and flavorful food!
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Ssenunni J
Great food good service. My food came quite quickly and was delicious but my friends food took a little while. Id guess hers took a bit by comparison because mine was just quick to make. The on the house starter stuff was interesting and really good as was the on the house "desert"- a neatly presented orange. Only warnings: dont go here if you have a short amount of time to eat or a tight budget. It ruins the experience when your stressing about how long it will be till you get your food. I got mine before we had even tried all the starters. By the time the starters were almost gone my friend said she wondered when hers would come. She got it moments later. Price wise we got 2 large bowls of wonderful food and 6 pot stickers (and the on the house appetizers and dessert) for just over $30. We got some great food but ordered some of the cheapest stuff on the menu.
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Grant Yoder
I love this little hole in the wall. When I first discovered it I had lunch there every day that week. I was stricken and became a bit of a Bap-vangelist to my co workers, family, and friends. The food is delicious and authentic. Ive had nothing on the menu that I did not love. (I recommend the spicy pork). The experience is only multiplied by the free Korean Pancakes and Kimchi that they provide before your meal. As you finish you are greeted with a simple but perfect cut orange... free of cost. The atmosphere is a bit cramped and somewhat spuratic, and yet perfect for this Korean restaurant. The owner is the sweetest woman and the staff is helpful and prompt. I go to this place as often as I can, and I send as many people possible their way. I recommend you go, too.
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Jim Evarts
Ive eaten here 4 times and it is consistently excellent. The dol sot bibim bap (probably their most popular dish) is terrific. Dont forget to mix it up before eating it. It comes in a heated iron bowl that keeps it hot. The flavors are really good. The kim chi is some of the best Ive had. They bring you little relish bowls of fun, healthy snacks like kim chi, pickled beans, and green onion pancake (all complimentary!). The owner is sweet and funny. A companion raved about a silky tofu stew (soon doo boo) she got.
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Eric
I can see why this place is so popular. I came in here for lunch and got the special of the day, which was chicken teriyaki. It was a huge portion. On top of that, you get free sides such as bean sprouts and kimchi. And to top it off, after you finish your meal you get half an orange to complete the meal. Service is on point and the staff is super friendly. Prices are reasonable and the food is delicious. If you are on a budget, want some delicious food or wanna try a new restaurant, this is the place.
