Originally came in for some bibimbap after charging our car but ended up getting the ayce kbbq. It was an excellent decision. The meat was fresh. They changed our griddle constantly even with the limited amount of staff they had. The staff were also very friendly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Korean BBQ
Derek Vorseth
Good place to eat I would go here again
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Korean BBQ
Merra
I may have eaten too much.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bulgogi
Lisa Wray
Awesome food & experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Brisket, Bulgogi
Bryce Tompkins
My Experience Working at Kkoki
I worked at Kkoki for almost two years, starting as a dishwasher when I was 18. Over time, I moved through various roles, including busser, server helper, kitchen staff, and host. Unfortunately, I was let go just one month before reaching my two-year anniversary. While my time at Kkoki gave me opportunities to grow, it was also marked by challenges that ultimately soured the experience.
From the start, I worked hard to move up, aiming to become a server. Along the way, I didn’t face many issues, although some coworkers in the kitchen created a toxic atmosphere by speaking poorly about others. My first major problem arose toward the end of one manager’s time at the restaurant. I was physically pushed by another employee, and instead of addressing the issue, the manager—who liked both of us—threatened to fire me to avoid making a decision. When I reached out to the owners for help, my messages were ignored, and the conflict was never resolved.
After that manager left, one of the servers—who was related to the owners—stepped into a managerial role. For a few weeks, her leadership brought the best management experience I had at Kkoki. Unfortunately, this was short-lived. Without informing her, the owners brought in a co-owner to take over, upsetting many employees. The new co-owner had a reputation for mishandling server tips in the past, which further added to the tension.
Initially, the co-owner’s arrival seemed promising, but after a week, significant changes were made. She drastically reduced most employees’ hours while giving her son more than 40 hours a week, despite him having received numerous complaints and negative reviews. My schedule was cut from five days a week (nearly 30 hours) to three days with less than 12 hours. She fired the other host and several longtime servers, giving them false hope of returning. These changes upset many of us, especially those who had been with the restaurant since its opening.
During my final two weeks, the work environment became increasingly toxic. The co-owner frequently yelled at employees in front of customers, often citing “misunderstandings.” One incident occurred when we were short-staffed and busy. While I was helping set up carts, she publicly scolded me, shouting, “YOU ARE NOT SERVER, YOU ARE HOST.”
Eventually, I received a text that read, “I need to talk to you.” When I arrived at work, the co-owner and her son sat me down. They spoke in Korean for several minutes. Based on what I had learned during my time at Kkoki, I understood her saying, “I just don’t like him.” Her son defended me, saying, “You can’t just do that—he has many friends here.” Despite this, I was told that the upcoming Sunday would be my last day.
Months after leaving, I returned to Kkoki as a customer, and the experience was disappointing. The quality of the food had noticeably declined, and one of my favorite dishes, corn cheese, had changed so much that I couldn’t even eat it. The only thing I enjoyed was the pork jowl. During this visit, the co-owner’s son approached our table with a drink. He appeared to accidentally kick me but did not apologize, instead staring at me briefly before walking away.
While I am grateful for the skills and experience I gained during my time at Kkoki, the poor management, toxic work environment, and declining food quality have left a lasting negative impression. I hope the owners take the necessary steps to address these issues for the sake of their staff and customers.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
Thed Weeks
I travel on the road for work. Saw that there was a Korean BBQ in the area. So I went there hoping to have a quality dinner.
Was told that I could not have the all you can eat BBQ because I was there by myself. Apparently you are only allowed to do this if there are two people minimum.
No offer was made to see if I could order off the menu. Basically I was shown the door.
Quite frankly, I am dumbfounded. The experience was so negative I am writing this review. Sure, the food may be great. I will never know, as I was shown that I am clearly not welcome there.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Nathaniel Svendsen
Food was delicious, the servers were super friendly and helpful. Definitely coming back soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Len White
What happened at Kkoki Salem? It has literally been our favorite place for several years. We always do birthdays, events and date nights there. Great food and really fun servers. Went last night and every server looked upset. We had to ask several times for drinks or other things. Did they get a new manager? The vibe and service has totally changed. Usually that tells me management is bad and making servers who used to enjoy their job want to quit. I hope they fire whoever caused this. Really hoping I don't have to stop going there if they cause our favorite server to quit.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 1
Joey
8:50 p.m. on a Tuesday was refuse service host said the kitchen closed in a little more than an hour so we wouldn't be able to eat. Terrible service what a joke.
Samantha Martin
Loved the vibe, food and the services we received. We will be returning to this place
Yummy food and excellent service. If you want to try Korean food in Salem, this is the best place to go to.
Food: 5
trent worden
My gf and I dine in at least twice a month. It’s a nice treat. We do the all you can eat middle package. It’s full of every type of protein you could want and a two hour all you can eat time limit. You order 3 things at a time and then get more as you want. We usually make it through nine proteins. It’s only 33 bucks a pop which ain’t bad at all. Would recommend you come try them out.
Originally came in for some bibimbap after charging our car but ended up getting the ayce kbbq. It was an excellent decision. The meat was fresh. They changed our griddle constantly even with the limited amount of staff they had. The staff were also very friendly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Korean BBQ
Good place to eat I would go here again
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Korean BBQ
I may have eaten too much.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bulgogi
Awesome food & experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Brisket, Bulgogi
My Experience Working at Kkoki
I worked at Kkoki for almost two years, starting as a dishwasher when I was 18. Over time, I moved through various roles, including busser, server helper, kitchen staff, and host. Unfortunately, I was let go just one month before reaching my two-year anniversary. While my time at Kkoki gave me opportunities to grow, it was also marked by challenges that ultimately soured the experience.
From the start, I worked hard to move up, aiming to become a server. Along the way, I didn’t face many issues, although some coworkers in the kitchen created a toxic atmosphere by speaking poorly about others. My first major problem arose toward the end of one manager’s time at the restaurant. I was physically pushed by another employee, and instead of addressing the issue, the manager—who liked both of us—threatened to fire me to avoid making a decision. When I reached out to the owners for help, my messages were ignored, and the conflict was never resolved.
After that manager left, one of the servers—who was related to the owners—stepped into a managerial role. For a few weeks, her leadership brought the best management experience I had at Kkoki. Unfortunately, this was short-lived. Without informing her, the owners brought in a co-owner to take over, upsetting many employees. The new co-owner had a reputation for mishandling server tips in the past, which further added to the tension.
Initially, the co-owner’s arrival seemed promising, but after a week, significant changes were made. She drastically reduced most employees’ hours while giving her son more than 40 hours a week, despite him having received numerous complaints and negative reviews. My schedule was cut from five days a week (nearly 30 hours) to three days with less than 12 hours. She fired the other host and several longtime servers, giving them false hope of returning. These changes upset many of us, especially those who had been with the restaurant since its opening.
During my final two weeks, the work environment became increasingly toxic. The co-owner frequently yelled at employees in front of customers, often citing “misunderstandings.” One incident occurred when we were short-staffed and busy. While I was helping set up carts, she publicly scolded me, shouting, “YOU ARE NOT SERVER, YOU ARE HOST.”
Eventually, I received a text that read, “I need to talk to you.” When I arrived at work, the co-owner and her son sat me down. They spoke in Korean for several minutes. Based on what I had learned during my time at Kkoki, I understood her saying, “I just don’t like him.” Her son defended me, saying, “You can’t just do that—he has many friends here.” Despite this, I was told that the upcoming Sunday would be my last day.
Months after leaving, I returned to Kkoki as a customer, and the experience was disappointing. The quality of the food had noticeably declined, and one of my favorite dishes, corn cheese, had changed so much that I couldn’t even eat it. The only thing I enjoyed was the pork jowl. During this visit, the co-owner’s son approached our table with a drink. He appeared to accidentally kick me but did not apologize, instead staring at me briefly before walking away.
While I am grateful for the skills and experience I gained during my time at Kkoki, the poor management, toxic work environment, and declining food quality have left a lasting negative impression. I hope the owners take the necessary steps to address these issues for the sake of their staff and customers.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
I travel on the road for work. Saw that there was a Korean BBQ in the area. So I went there hoping to have a quality dinner.
Was told that I could not have the all you can eat BBQ because I was there by myself. Apparently you are only allowed to do this if there are two people minimum.
No offer was made to see if I could order off the menu. Basically I was shown the door.
Quite frankly, I am dumbfounded. The experience was so negative I am writing this review. Sure, the food may be great. I will never know, as I was shown that I am clearly not welcome there.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Food was delicious, the servers were super friendly and helpful. Definitely coming back soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What happened at Kkoki Salem? It has literally been our favorite place for several years. We always do birthdays, events and date nights there. Great food and really fun servers.
Went last night and every server looked upset. We had to ask several times for drinks or other things.
Did they get a new manager?
The vibe and service has totally changed.
Usually that tells me management is bad and making servers who used to enjoy their job want to quit.
I hope they fire whoever caused this. Really hoping I don't have to stop going there if they cause our favorite server to quit.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 1
8:50 p.m. on a Tuesday was refuse service host said the kitchen closed in a little more than an hour so we wouldn't be able to eat. Terrible service what a joke.
Loved the vibe, food and the services we received. We will be returning to this place
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Garlic Chicken, Pork Jowl
Restaurantji Recommends
Great food and service. Thank you
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Kimchi Pancake, Spicy Pork, Bulgogi, Choices of Meats, Galbi Tang
And make Chimchi
Yummy food and excellent service. If you want to try Korean food in Salem, this is the best place to go to.
Food: 5
My gf and I dine in at least twice a month. It’s a nice treat. We do the all you can eat middle package. It’s full of every type of protein you could want and a two hour all you can eat time limit. You order 3 things at a time and then get more as you want. We usually make it through nine proteins. It’s only 33 bucks a pop which ain’t bad at all. Would recommend you come try them out.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Brisket, Spicy Pork, Chadol Baegi, Bulgogi, Beef Bulgogi
We want bossam please make more authentic Korean food choices since we don’t have a lot Korean food in Salem !!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
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