8240 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182 | map
703-827-7300 | www.woolaeoak.com
To verify authenticity, all you have to do is follow the track record of this internationally-renowned Korean restaurant: With a first restaurant opening in 1945 under the name Seo Lae Oak, the restaurant spent the post-World War II years opening various locations in South Korea before finally making the leap across the Pacific.
Woo Lae Oak opened in Korea Town, Los Angeles, in 1975 and through the next few decades opened more locations in New York, Chicago, D.C. and finally—in 2006—Tysons Corner in Northern Virginia. Which brings us to today's historically delectable deal: $20 for $45 worth of authentic Korean cuisine at Woo Lae Oak.
Start your journey through the East with appetizers like the Gu Jeol Mari ($9/$18), a mixture of shredded beef, assorted seafood and vegetables rolled in thin crepes, served with sweet mustard sauce; or the Haemul Pajeon ($10/$15), a seafood and scallion pancake with scallions, oysters, squid and shrimp.
For the main dish, look for their delicious Korean Barbeque selections like the Galbi ($29), short beef ribs marinated, grilled, and served right at your table with fresh veggies. Also find the Bulgogi ($26), juicy, thin-sliced boneless rib-eye steak; and Yachae ($21), assorted vegetables including mushrooms, broccoli, peppers, asparagus, bananas, carrots and sweet potatoes in a special house sauce.
Noodle options include the Naeng Myon ($15/$16), buckwheat noodles with slices of beef, Korean pear, cucumber, radish and cabbage in a cold broth; and the Jap Chae ($16), stir-fried vermicelli noodles with shredded beef and assorted vegetables. For restaurant standouts, search the list of All Time Favorites (all served with Korean side dishes), like the Hanchi Bokkum ($19), sautéed fresh calamari with cabbage, carrots and onions in spicy house sauce and served with rice; or the Galbi Jjim, beef short ribs simmered in a special house sauce with chestnuts, carrots, radishes and dates, served with rice ($28).
Zagat Review
(2010)
Gourmet Korean cuisine fit for monarchy as the premium quality and style of cooking are influenced by Korea's royal court cuisine; unmatched barbecue, dumplings, and soup entrees are the standouts; the marriage of modern and traditional decor is elegant and the space is perfect for a casual lunch or large event (ample private dining rooms or whole floor available. -- GeorgetownFoodie
Northern Virginia Magazine
(2008)
An all-inclusive showplace for those who favor South Korea's cooking, Woo Lae Oak continues to attract curiosity-seekers and native diners alike by dishing out traditional cuisine in stylish environs. The restaurant dwarfs most Asian dining competitors, both in size and approachability.
Yelp Review
(2009)
Excellent quality and presentation-- the Kalbi Jjim (stewed Korean short ribs) is a consummate exercise in subtlety; the side dishes, while modestly apportioned, were masterfully prepared. The venue itself is spotless, classy, and displays Korean (ancient?) artifacts. Service was fast and courteous -- Inigo M.
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