Sorabol Korean Restaurant image

Sorabol Korean Restaurant

Restaurant Bar Korean restaurant Korean barbecue restaurant

One of the Most Reviewed Korean restaurants in Honolulu


Address

1525 Rycroft St, Honolulu, HI 96814

Contact

(808) 947-3113

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

3.90 (826 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 10 AM to 10 PM
  • Friday: (Good Friday), 10 AM to 10 PM, Hours might differ
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 10 PM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 10 AM to 10 PM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 10 AM to 10 PM
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 10 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 10 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Korean (10) service (10) restaurant (7) menu (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 3/5 Johnny S. 2 years ago on Google
    A staple from the first time I've been there in the 1980's, it was then known as the place to go for 24/7 Korean food. When we went in May, not sure if it was from the pandemic, or a new cook, but the quality had diminished. Last time before then was maybe in 2015. Anyways, the menu was still as robust as ever. Our mini condiments seemed bland, nothing special. One of us had the bi bim bap which he said was good. I had the kalbi/chicken combination plate, but the chicken was dry, and the kalbi just so-so. Maybe I'm used to the take out kalbi from Peppa's and the like, but I prefer that against the bone cut than the authentic cut, which is more bone than meat. It wasn't a bad experience, but with it being so uninspiring maybe it'll be another five years when I'll return again. Maybe try Million's just down the street.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 SCA t. 1 year ago on Google
    No service, would give 0 stars. Overpriced Koren food at 2 people cost with portions for one. FAVORING Isn't any better than Kim chee #1-7. IT staffed with more staff than actual customers for a reason. NO One order self cooking during my visit including me. They were so eager to seat you, but service was non-existent and argumentive. Any request made was met with displeasure from staff. Valet parking is in pagoda hotel ramp where the signs posted was tow away unless paying for $4 fit 30min, $20 for 4hr, 25 for 1night. There is meter street parking. Restaurant is run down, the only that look new are grill because no one is ordering from it now. With such low turn over, I don't think the meats be as fresh.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Raisa M. 9 months ago on Google
    Second time here and everything was just as delicious as last time. We got a different server today and she was as attentive, quirky, and patient as our last one. We ordered food cooked in their kitchen so that everyone could eat together. The servers brought out our drinks, rice, and sides quickly after we ordered and made sure everyone was served. We ordered BBQ chicken, beef bulgogi, meat jun/gogi jun (pan-fried egg battered beef), seafood pancake, japchae (glass noodles), soon dubu chi-ke (spicy soft tofu pot stew with clam) and two orders of their seasoned sliced pork belly. We had to order lettuce and sliced raw garlic separately--it's not part of the meal. Everything was made/cooked fresh. We appreciated how fast everything came out since we spent the day at the beach and we were all pretty hungry. The kids always enjoy the atmosphere. They love looking and searching for the big koi fish and little turtles. The building is so uniquely structured. Parking is street parking with an option for valet parking. It's an early Monday evening so it was pretty easy to find spots for both of our cars. We ended the night with a sweet rice drink. It was really cold and sweet. All in all we highly recommend this place. We all left happy and full.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Jenna S. 1 year ago on Google
    My experience here was just so horrible I'm compelled to leave a review. My mom and I went in for Korean BBQ grill and were looking forward to cook the meat leisurely, but the waitress basically rushed us. She'll come by occasionally and dump the meat into the grill. Before we even said we're done, they already placed the check down. They hounded our table so that once we finished signing, they immediately picked it up. From what I can tell, they let the other customers eat in peace and there were many open tables left, so I don't understand why they wanted us to leave so quickly. Felt really discriminated against.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer L. 1 year ago on Google
    First visit after it moved to this new location. Service still good. Food is great 👍. Very efficient run it’s business. No wonder the restaurant is popular 😘
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aloha Mike's N. 2 years ago on Google
    Very tasty Korean BBQ. Served family style. $20‐$30 menu items. Don't come here if you are on a budget. Well worth the money.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jason J. 4 years ago on Google
    There are tons of Korean takeout joints on Oahu but for a sit-down meal Sorabol has been my go-to for over 10 years now. Consistent quality of food, average but attentive service and outstanding spicy raw crab. My go-to dishes are (preferably, if available, on the lunch menu which is a bit cheaper than dinner): spicy raw crab, fish jun, kal bi, and crab jigae. Their menu is vast, like most Korean joints, but if you're tired of takeout and limited ban chan options, I highly suggest Sorabol.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lina Y. 8 months ago on Google
    The food was amazing and so was the service! It’s been over 10 years since we’ve been to Honolulu and what we missed the most was the Korean BBQ and this place did not disappoint! The inner rib was delicious and the cold noodle at the end really hit the spot! The kids loved the koi pond as well!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Ask N. 6 months ago on Google
    I wanted to share my recent experience at this restaurant. While the food was enjoyable, I had concerns about the service. As someone from a non-tipping culture, I left an $8 tip (6% of the bill), which I believed was fair. However, the server insisted on an 18% tip and argued with us, making us uncomfortable. Additionally, when I asked for advice on portion sizes, the server's guidance seemed to encourage us to order more than necessary. I believe that tipping should be optional and based on the quality of service, not a mandatory percentage. Clearer communication about tipping expectations for international guests would be appreciated. I hope this feedback helps improve the dining experience for all customers.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Eunjoo Y. 1 year ago on Google
    Too noisy, silverwares were not clean, too busy place, If you expected a food court, you might be okay, but a family dinner.. hmm, I am not sure.. But food tasty were good so take-out might be better choice.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Tri T. 5 months ago on Google
    We gave 18% tips on the total of my bill. The waitress told me I should put 20% tip because she is nice. I told her tip is the option. The waitress did not take away any dishes until we leave the restaurant. She does not even deserve the 18% tip that I gave. Why she demand 20%

  • 4/5 Ty Y. 2 years ago on Google
    Good service, good food. Definatly will go there again

  • 4/5 Dan W. 5 months ago on Google
    A bit run down from her hey day, the pond needs work (I miss the ulua swimming by. Service was great. We had a dedicated waitress for our party of 10 in a private pagoda room.

  • 5/5 Ruth Jillian P. 7 months ago on Google
    First time visiting the restaurant and the venue, and the landscaping was beautiful, first off! We were seated by the southern side of the restaurant, which had plenty of sunlight streaming in. We ordered samgyupsal, ahnchang, kalbi, and bulgogi for BBQ; kimchi pancake and lettuce on the side. Our favorites were the kalbi and ahnchang, but personally we didn't like the flavor of the bulgogi. I also liked Sorabol's banchan than other places I've visited e.g. Sura's We also received seafood soup and sikhye (like a sweet rice tea, this was also my favorite)

  • 3/5 Nina V. 6 months ago on Google
    This was once Pagoda (my family go-to restaurant for bigger gatherings). The menu is extensive. The price is not cheap. The family ordered japchae and soup stews, pork ribs, meat jun etc. We tried the seafood pan jeon and a so myun noodle with stir-fried baby octopus (so chewy and spicy). The seafood pancake was better than Kim chee and chive one. The octopus was way too chewy/salty/spicy.

  • 5/5 Don O. 2 years ago on Google
    We arrived at our favorite Korean restaurant to find they are closed for good at that location, that will reopen on March 01, 2022 at their new location.... The Pagoda Hotel! Excited to see the new location.

  • 2/5 E Y. 1 year ago on Google
    Unlike many Korean restaurants I’ve been to, this one ranks at the bottom. Although the staff is friendly, the food is not tasty, and the price is high. Accessibility is a problem.

  • 5/5 G M. 1 year ago on Google
    Quick service, great food. Our first visit as New arrivals to Honolulu, staying in hotel right next door. We had the Dolsit bibimbap was excellent... was just the right thing for an evening meal, almost did not finish (I hate wasting food when I eat out).

  • 5/5 Dillon N. 4 years ago on Google
    Awwwwwwsome quick tastes great do I need to say more

  • 5/5 Nelson T. 1 year ago on Google
    Loved it! Great food! Great atmosphere! Super great service! Some cute single staff girls if you want to marry a wonderful Korean girl! I'm going to go back soon!

  • 5/5 Rubierose C. 3 years ago on Google
    Loved their seullung-tang! Their side dishes are really delicious. Efficient service. Bit on the pricey side, but well worth eating here to get fantastic Korean food. Highly recommend!

  • 5/5 Danielle M. 2 years ago on Google
    Incredible food! Incredible staff! You can't go wrong here. Everything on the menu is incredible.


Call (808) 947-3113 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Late-night food
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Breakfast
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery

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