Best Korean pocha in SF! Always a good time at The Korner Store
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Boon Young Lee
Such a unique place to enjoy best class delicious Korean food & drinks with music & dance lounge vibes. I enjoyed both authentic & creative Korean dishes and lesser-known premium Korean drinks.So much fun!!!
New Korean bar in the area! There's a lot of potential and I'd want to come back to try other things! Vibes were good especially with all of the workers and owners being so nice and friendly. However, we did feel pretty pressured to order more food / alcohol since they came around so often to ask us. The place does feel pretty empty until 9PMish. The area is a bit sus and street parking is limited though. They hosted an open DJ night and music was good! My friend and I ordered the Tteok Bokki (2/5) and the shape was so abnormal like definitely not traditional Korean rice cake; we also found a long black hair in it :(. We also got the Spicy Cheese Buldak (3/5) which was alright. Lastly, we shared a Milky Yakult Cocktail (4/5) yummy but also you can't go wrong with Soju!
RJ Kowalski
Been a bit belated writing this, but the experience was spectacular. Came for the evening buffet, bartenders were great and the food just hit the right bar-chow spot. Highly recommended, and the buffet is a great deal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brian DiCrocco
After wanting to check it out I finally made it in. It was an all around good time. Everyone was having a great time. The food was tasty and the staff was amazing. I will definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tteok-Bokki w Cheese and Fried Dumplings, Bulgogi Stuffed Mushrooms
Troy S.
Love this spot! The service is very welcoming and friendly, and the food tastes like a Korean home cooked meal. They don't mess around with flavor here!I would say everything on the menu is a must try, but my favorites are the Hangover Soup, Fried Chicken w/ Yuzu Sauce, and Corn Cheese (addicting).An honorable mention would be the stuffed mushrooms.Lastly, the restaurant is a fun vibe with great music. They have an event almost every week so check out their IG for a party!
Kate X.
We came here for JYP night. Tickets were $25 per person, but it includes all you can eat Korean drinking food and a raffle ticket to win a poster. The first hundred people will also get some random small gift.We got here around 7:30pm and the place was already pretty packed. There was a great variety of food at the all you can eat station - fried chicken, fries and tater tots, fried gimmari and mandu, beef bulgolgi, spicy pork, dakgalbi, chive pancakes, japchae, and tteubokki. All the food were freshly made and straight out of the pan, and they frequently restocked with batches of new food. Everything tasted really good, and the ayce itself was already worth the $25. I definitely maximized on the food with multiple rounds of bulgolgi and rice cake.There were special drinks for JYP night, and we got the Maniac for $15. It had 4-5 shots in it and was similar to a long island ice tea. We also got a kpop idol gift card to go along with the drink which was nice.The place got pretty packed around 8:30pm, the music was blasting and people were dancing to their favorite kpop songs. People were respectful and everyone was having fun. Overall the vibes were great and it was a fun way to spend a rainy Friday night.
Ben Nero
Love this place, such a funky Korean spot in the Excelsior. Go to spot when we want to "go out" without having to leave the neighborhood. Food is good, drinks are good, vibes are good, what more could you ask for?!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
James Han
Food isn't bad, but they need more servers.
Anthony N.
Korner Store is an absolute gem, seamlessly blending the best of Korean cuisine with a creative bar experience that leaves you wanting more. This place is a culinary adventure that's not to be missed!The menu is a tantalizing journey through Korean-inspired dishes with a modern twist. Each bite is a symphony of flavors, from the mouthwatering Bulgogi Mushroom to the savory tteok bokki. The fusion of ingredients showcases the chef's expertise, resulting in dishes that are nothing short of extraordinary.Now, let's talk about the bar - it's a work of art! The Korean-inspired cocktails are unlike anything I've ever experienced. The mixologists here are true innovators, crafting drinks that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Whether it's a spicy Brew-tiful Union or a refreshing Seoul mate, each sip is a revelation.The ambiance at Korner Store is both inviting and energetic, making it the perfect spot for any occasion. The staff is a true highlight, providing top-notch service with a genuine smile. They're knowledgeable about the menu and cocktails, always ready to guide you towards a delightful choice.Korner Store isn't just a restaurant; it's an experience. Whether you're a fan of Korean cuisine or looking for a unique bar experience, this place has it all. The fusion of flavors and creativity on display here is unparalleled. I can't wait to return and explore even more of their culinary treasures and inventive cocktails. Kudos, Korner Store!
Had a fun hangout here on a Thursday night! They were busy but not crowded, easy to get a table for 8 at 8:30pm. The DJ took our request and my little group hit up the dance floor and had a blast.The owner is so sweet, I've only been here a few times and she always recognizes me!Our group ordered a bunch of tasty soju, as well as a ginseng rice wine called bekseju which I loved. Specialty Cocktails* Seoul Mate - 3.5 starsOur server recommended this one as the least boozy-tasting cocktail (though all the cocktails have the same amount of alcohol). It was sweet.. a little too sweet for me, and I like sweet drinks!* Gom Old Fashioned - 4 starsThis smelled delicious, and it came with a fun teddy bear-shaped piece of ice! Strong for me, but I'm not generally into old fashioned's. But I'm sure my partner would love this since this is his drink.
Vy T.
Okay, I hate how I haven't written a review for Korner Store yet... They only helped throw one of the most fun bday parties for my friend EVER when they first opened and I didn't take the time to review -.- The good:+ such a cool, intimate party space. Loved their 90s hip hop music and dance songs later in the night! It was like Raven the club but with munchies, AC, seating and soju cocktails all within arms reach @___@ what a vibe, especially for a millennial like me tryna enjoy tings in my comfy seat lol+ omfg they had an ayce small bites buffet that was only like $20 and that was absolutely delicious... + service was above and beyond.... Crew went above and beyond to make sure bday boy was having fun and his crew was never patched ^__^+ curious to try their raw marinated crab one dayThe meh: Absolutely nothing
Tien N.
If you are looking for a bar serving Asian flavor alcoholic drinks, this is the place to go. There are a lot of street parking nearby. You can also get here via Bart. It's quite hidden so make sure you follow GPS well :) Our waiter was so friendly and attentive. He walked through the menu in detail. He also made recommendations for first timers. His device made this place a 5 stars for me. The food were good. They were perfect snacks to go with our cocktails. We lost track of time just from chatting and snacking our way through the evening. Sometimes the restaurant has special event. So if you follow the Instagram page, you may find some interesting theme Dj night. We missed Jay Park's night as we had to head out early. But I really liked the laid back and friendly vibe here.
Claire L.
We came here on a Friday night around 7:30 and the restaurant was pretty empty, but they had the music and lights going so the vibes were pretty cute. We ordered:- Yuzu fried chicken which was pretty unique and very yuzu forward, chicken was crispy but not dry- Bulgolgi stuffed mushroom, which was my favorite of the non-raw dishes. The smokey umami of the mushroom with the sweetness of the bulgolgi was *chefs kiss*- Monster tater tots, I thought the tots could've been crisper, they were kinda mushy, but the sauce was tasty and kind of had a kick of horseradish- Spicy marinated raw crab, soooo good I could've eaten the whole plate myself- Soy marinated raw prawns, also really good though I think I enjoyed the crab here moreThey gave gloves for the raw dishes which was very helpful, it wouldve been nice to also have a bucket or something for the peeled shells so they werent overflowing our plates Portion sizes vary but I'd say what we ordered was just right for 3 people. The raw dishes took a while to get out but otherwise service was good, and I appreciated the rundown on how to best eat the crab and shrimp dishes. It got busier by the time we left so I'd definitely be interested to come back later at night to see what the vibes are like and get more delicious food!
Ivy C.
My new favorite bar! The yummy drinks and bites. The vibes. The service. Everything is a hit here! And everyONE is a hit. In all honestly the staff is the cherry on top. Without them, it'd just be Korner Store Bites. Unlike other Korean bars, they have a full bar. Fancy cocktails where the ingredient list looks like an essay, and actually good wine - not just Soju.I liked their old fashioned and gin cocktail most. If you like sweet drinks, I heard they were superb, but I didn't try them because I was too busy eating and drinking.For the food - I'm not usually a fan of soy marinated crab or prawns, and I try to avoid tots but fusion Korean tots are a different game. And the seafood was so fresh and delish here. And mozzarella stuffed portobello mushrooms topped with REAL Sriracha? And during the shortage? No expense spared! They even gave us a Sriracha bottle because of our huge group, it being my uber cute friend's birthday, and honestly, because the gal bartender is just so so nice.So come here, eat and drink your heart out, pay a visit to the bar, and have a grand time. It's a VIBE!
Best Korean pocha in SF! Always a good time at The Korner Store
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Such a unique place to enjoy best class delicious Korean food & drinks with music & dance lounge vibes. I enjoyed both authentic & creative Korean dishes and lesser-known premium Korean drinks.So much fun!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tater Tots, Boneless Fried Chicken, Bulgogi Stuffed Mushrooms
New Korean bar in the area! There's a lot of potential and I'd want to come back to try other things! Vibes were good especially with all of the workers and owners being so nice and friendly. However, we did feel pretty pressured to order more food / alcohol since they came around so often to ask us. The place does feel pretty empty until 9PMish. The area is a bit sus and street parking is limited though. They hosted an open DJ night and music was good! My friend and I ordered the Tteok Bokki (2/5) and the shape was so abnormal like definitely not traditional Korean rice cake; we also found a long black hair in it :(. We also got the Spicy Cheese Buldak (3/5) which was alright. Lastly, we shared a Milky Yakult Cocktail (4/5) yummy but also you can't go wrong with Soju!
Been a bit belated writing this, but the experience was spectacular. Came for the evening buffet, bartenders were great and the food just hit the right bar-chow spot. Highly recommended, and the buffet is a great deal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
After wanting to check it out I finally made it in. It was an all around good time. Everyone was having a great time. The food was tasty and the staff was amazing. I will definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tteok-Bokki w Cheese and Fried Dumplings, Bulgogi Stuffed Mushrooms
Love this spot! The service is very welcoming and friendly, and the food tastes like a Korean home cooked meal. They don't mess around with flavor here!I would say everything on the menu is a must try, but my favorites are the Hangover Soup, Fried Chicken w/ Yuzu Sauce, and Corn Cheese (addicting).An honorable mention would be the stuffed mushrooms.Lastly, the restaurant is a fun vibe with great music. They have an event almost every week so check out their IG for a party!
We came here for JYP night. Tickets were $25 per person, but it includes all you can eat Korean drinking food and a raffle ticket to win a poster. The first hundred people will also get some random small gift.We got here around 7:30pm and the place was already pretty packed. There was a great variety of food at the all you can eat station - fried chicken, fries and tater tots, fried gimmari and mandu, beef bulgolgi, spicy pork, dakgalbi, chive pancakes, japchae, and tteubokki. All the food were freshly made and straight out of the pan, and they frequently restocked with batches of new food. Everything tasted really good, and the ayce itself was already worth the $25. I definitely maximized on the food with multiple rounds of bulgolgi and rice cake.There were special drinks for JYP night, and we got the Maniac for $15. It had 4-5 shots in it and was similar to a long island ice tea. We also got a kpop idol gift card to go along with the drink which was nice.The place got pretty packed around 8:30pm, the music was blasting and people were dancing to their favorite kpop songs. People were respectful and everyone was having fun. Overall the vibes were great and it was a fun way to spend a rainy Friday night.
Love this place, such a funky Korean spot in the Excelsior. Go to spot when we want to "go out" without having to leave the neighborhood. Food is good, drinks are good, vibes are good, what more could you ask for?!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food isn't bad, but they need more servers.
Korner Store is an absolute gem, seamlessly blending the best of Korean cuisine with a creative bar experience that leaves you wanting more. This place is a culinary adventure that's not to be missed!The menu is a tantalizing journey through Korean-inspired dishes with a modern twist. Each bite is a symphony of flavors, from the mouthwatering Bulgogi Mushroom to the savory tteok bokki. The fusion of ingredients showcases the chef's expertise, resulting in dishes that are nothing short of extraordinary.Now, let's talk about the bar - it's a work of art! The Korean-inspired cocktails are unlike anything I've ever experienced. The mixologists here are true innovators, crafting drinks that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Whether it's a spicy Brew-tiful Union or a refreshing Seoul mate, each sip is a revelation.The ambiance at Korner Store is both inviting and energetic, making it the perfect spot for any occasion. The staff is a true highlight, providing top-notch service with a genuine smile. They're knowledgeable about the menu and cocktails, always ready to guide you towards a delightful choice.Korner Store isn't just a restaurant; it's an experience. Whether you're a fan of Korean cuisine or looking for a unique bar experience, this place has it all. The fusion of flavors and creativity on display here is unparalleled. I can't wait to return and explore even more of their culinary treasures and inventive cocktails. Kudos, Korner Store!
Restaurantji Recommends
Had a fun hangout here on a Thursday night! They were busy but not crowded, easy to get a table for 8 at 8:30pm. The DJ took our request and my little group hit up the dance floor and had a blast.The owner is so sweet, I've only been here a few times and she always recognizes me!Our group ordered a bunch of tasty soju, as well as a ginseng rice wine called bekseju which I loved. Specialty Cocktails* Seoul Mate - 3.5 starsOur server recommended this one as the least boozy-tasting cocktail (though all the cocktails have the same amount of alcohol). It was sweet.. a little too sweet for me, and I like sweet drinks!* Gom Old Fashioned - 4 starsThis smelled delicious, and it came with a fun teddy bear-shaped piece of ice! Strong for me, but I'm not generally into old fashioned's. But I'm sure my partner would love this since this is his drink.
Okay, I hate how I haven't written a review for Korner Store yet... They only helped throw one of the most fun bday parties for my friend EVER when they first opened and I didn't take the time to review -.- The good:+ such a cool, intimate party space. Loved their 90s hip hop music and dance songs later in the night! It was like Raven the club but with munchies, AC, seating and soju cocktails all within arms reach @___@ what a vibe, especially for a millennial like me tryna enjoy tings in my comfy seat lol+ omfg they had an ayce small bites buffet that was only like $20 and that was absolutely delicious... + service was above and beyond.... Crew went above and beyond to make sure bday boy was having fun and his crew was never patched ^__^+ curious to try their raw marinated crab one dayThe meh: Absolutely nothing
If you are looking for a bar serving Asian flavor alcoholic drinks, this is the place to go. There are a lot of street parking nearby. You can also get here via Bart. It's quite hidden so make sure you follow GPS well :) Our waiter was so friendly and attentive. He walked through the menu in detail. He also made recommendations for first timers. His device made this place a 5 stars for me. The food were good. They were perfect snacks to go with our cocktails. We lost track of time just from chatting and snacking our way through the evening. Sometimes the restaurant has special event. So if you follow the Instagram page, you may find some interesting theme Dj night. We missed Jay Park's night as we had to head out early. But I really liked the laid back and friendly vibe here.
We came here on a Friday night around 7:30 and the restaurant was pretty empty, but they had the music and lights going so the vibes were pretty cute. We ordered:- Yuzu fried chicken which was pretty unique and very yuzu forward, chicken was crispy but not dry- Bulgolgi stuffed mushroom, which was my favorite of the non-raw dishes. The smokey umami of the mushroom with the sweetness of the bulgolgi was *chefs kiss*- Monster tater tots, I thought the tots could've been crisper, they were kinda mushy, but the sauce was tasty and kind of had a kick of horseradish- Spicy marinated raw crab, soooo good I could've eaten the whole plate myself- Soy marinated raw prawns, also really good though I think I enjoyed the crab here moreThey gave gloves for the raw dishes which was very helpful, it wouldve been nice to also have a bucket or something for the peeled shells so they werent overflowing our plates Portion sizes vary but I'd say what we ordered was just right for 3 people. The raw dishes took a while to get out but otherwise service was good, and I appreciated the rundown on how to best eat the crab and shrimp dishes. It got busier by the time we left so I'd definitely be interested to come back later at night to see what the vibes are like and get more delicious food!
My new favorite bar! The yummy drinks and bites. The vibes. The service. Everything is a hit here! And everyONE is a hit. In all honestly the staff is the cherry on top. Without them, it'd just be Korner Store Bites. Unlike other Korean bars, they have a full bar. Fancy cocktails where the ingredient list looks like an essay, and actually good wine - not just Soju.I liked their old fashioned and gin cocktail most. If you like sweet drinks, I heard they were superb, but I didn't try them because I was too busy eating and drinking.For the food - I'm not usually a fan of soy marinated crab or prawns, and I try to avoid tots but fusion Korean tots are a different game. And the seafood was so fresh and delish here. And mozzarella stuffed portobello mushrooms topped with REAL Sriracha? And during the shortage? No expense spared! They even gave us a Sriracha bottle because of our huge group, it being my uber cute friend's birthday, and honestly, because the gal bartender is just so so nice.So come here, eat and drink your heart out, pay a visit to the bar, and have a grand time. It's a VIBE!