Koreatown, with its vibrant energy and diverse culinary scene, might not immediately spring to mind as a family-friendly destination. However, beneath the surface of trendy bars and sophisticated eateries lies a wealth of restaurants perfect for a family outing. This guide unveils 19 fantastic kid-friendly options, catering to various tastes and budgets. Whether you're craving comforting Korean classics or exploring new flavors, you'll find something delicious for everyone.
Delicious Dishes and Happy Little Ones: Finding the Perfect Koreatown Family Meal
Choosing a restaurant for the whole family can be tricky. You want a place with tasty food, a welcoming atmosphere, and perhaps even some kid-friendly amenities. Koreatown offers a surprising number of establishments that tick all the boxes. This list focuses on restaurants with features like high chairs, family-sized portions, accommodating staff, and menus that cater to younger palates. Let's dive in!
Top 19 Kid-Friendly Eats in Koreatown: A Family Feast Awaits
This selection considers factors beyond just the food, including ambiance, service, and overall family-friendliness.
Casual & Comforting Korean Classics
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Park's BBQ: Known for its generous portions of delicious Korean BBQ, Park's offers a fun and interactive dining experience. Kids will love grilling their own meat! High chairs are available, and the staff is generally very accommodating to families.
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Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong: While the name might sound intimidating, this popular spot serves up excellent Korean BBQ in a lively setting. The wide variety of meats and sides ensures there's something for everyone, even picky eaters.
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BCD Tofu House: This chain restaurant is a reliable choice for families, offering flavorful and relatively mild tofu stew (dubu jjigae) options. The customizable nature of the dishes makes it easy to please even the most discerning little palates.
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Wangbijib: A great option for Bibimbap lovers! The vibrant mix of rice, vegetables, and meat (or tofu) is visually appealing to children, and the customizable toppings make it easy to adjust to preferences.
Beyond the BBQ: Exploring Diverse Flavors
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Soban: This upscale Korean restaurant offers a refined dining experience, but remains surprisingly welcoming to families. Their menu features a range of dishes, ensuring something for every family member.
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Han Bat Sul Lung Tang: Known for its rich and flavorful ox bone soup (seolleongtang), this restaurant offers a unique Korean culinary experience. While the soup itself might be too intense for some kids, they often have other kid-friendly options.
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Myung In DoNang: Enjoy a taste of traditional Korean cuisine in a comfortable setting. Their extensive menu includes many dishes suitable for children, including noodle dishes and milder stews.
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Pocha 32: Although primarily a pocha (Korean pub), Pocha 32 offers some family-friendly options alongside their more adult-oriented dishes. The lively atmosphere might be appealing to some older children.
Sweet Treats and Fun Experiences
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Sulbing: Indulge in Korean shaved ice desserts, perfect for a hot day. The various flavors and toppings will delight kids of all ages.
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Tous Les Jours: This popular bakery offers a wide selection of pastries, breads, and cakes, making it a perfect spot for a sweet treat after dinner.
Family-Friendly Ambiance and Amenities
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Various Korean Fried Chicken Restaurants: Many Korean fried chicken places in Koreatown are casual and family-friendly. They often offer a relaxed atmosphere and kid-friendly side dishes.
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Restaurants in the Galleria Market: This large underground market offers several food stalls with varied options, creating a fun and engaging experience for kids. You can pick and choose different items to create a family-style meal.
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Restaurants with Outdoor Seating: Several Koreatown restaurants offer outdoor seating, which can be ideal for families with young children who need more space to move around.
Hidden Gems and Neighborhood Favorites
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Leegane Tteokbokki: Enjoy flavorful Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) – adjust the spice level to suit your family's preferences.
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Any number of smaller, family-run restaurants: Don't be afraid to explore the side streets and find hidden gems with welcoming atmospheres.
Considerations for Picky Eaters
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Look for restaurants with fried rice or noodle dishes: These are often easy options for picky eaters.
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Many Korean restaurants offer mandu (dumplings), which are a generally kid-friendly option.
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Don't hesitate to ask the staff for recommendations: They'll be happy to help you choose dishes that your children will enjoy.
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Check online reviews for menus and family-friendliness before you go: This will give you a better idea of what to expect.
Planning Your Koreatown Family Adventure
Remember to check restaurant hours and consider making reservations, especially during peak times. Many restaurants offer takeout or delivery services as well, making it easy to enjoy Koreatown cuisine from the comfort of your own home.
Conclusion: A Delicious Family Experience Awaits
Koreatown offers a diverse and surprisingly kid-friendly dining scene. With a little research, you can find the perfect restaurant to make your family's next meal a memorable one. So, grab your family, explore the vibrant streets of Koreatown, and savor the delicious flavors this exciting neighborhood has to offer. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
