The Back Room

I’m happy to have found a Korean spot that isn’t so well, Korean. No loud k-​pop, no K-​pop music videos playing, no Ajima’s taking your order (not that there’s anything bad about that). In fact, it’s really quite the opposite and I completely enjoyed my experience.
Arrived shortly after they open their doors at 6pm on a weeknight. Only one table occupied and quickly greeted upon entry. You first notice how clean, modern, and minimalistic the place is. And then you begin to really look into how the place is put together and the small pieces that you pay close attention to. After choosing a spot at the bar, we begin to order. Tapas styled food at a very very reasonable price compared to similar spots. There are also soju cocktails and quality craft beer on tap. With any tapas place, it’s always best to share several dishes. Side note and tip, so that you may become more intrigued, there’s a groupon available. $ 12 for $ 20 worth of food.
Kimchi fried rice (with fried egg) $ 5, served in a stone pot. I wanted to start off with my favorite dish of the night. The kimchi flavor was not overpowering. Balanced, flavorful, and comforting. I could have this as a meal and be satisfied.
Bulgogi Slider (on brioche bread) $ 3.5. After one bite, you get a mouthful of the prime grade rib eye and tart coleslaw. This is not meant to be shared, but if you’re with someone that you can pass it on after one bite, then do so! I didn’t want to fill up on this, as there were more to be had and fried rice to hog.
Chicken wings (3 wings) $ 6. Okay, not sure about this price. It was decent, crispy coating saved it. The house dipping sauce was also just decent.
Special: short rib nachos. $ 12. Saved this for last as it was the dish most desired. It took around 20 – 30 minutes after putting in the order. I must say that they generously topped the nachos with short rib. It was 3:1 ratio of short rib to tortilla chips. For you protein lovers, this one is for you! However, I personally wish there were more chips. And the short rib was a bit too sweet for my liking that I couldn’t taste the cheese. I think it was also missing another element. Like cilantro or something. I wouldn’t order this again.
Cocktail #3: Pear infused Hwayo soju, house made peach bitters, dry vermouth. I wanted nothing sweet, and I asked the lovely lady for her recommendations and she said this was their version of a Manhattan. It definitely was and it was a great choice. It really met my standards of a soju cocktail. I was very pleased.
Cocktail #6: Their take on a Moscow Mule. Yep, certainly. Finished off with fresh mint in a cute mason jar and nifty straw.
So 1.5 hours later, and every table was occupied, all bar seats too. Some waiting on their table to be ready from next door, Mr. BBQ ayce kbbq. It’s nice that once their table is ready, The BackRoom gives next door a ring to let them know. Awesome collab! Good to know!
My honest rating is 4.5 and I’m conflicted because I totally want to give it a 5. I thought the food was great and I will be back to try other dishes and get the kimchi fried rice again. I want to try the sausages, dukkbokki, and mussel and clam soup, all within $ 5-​$ 7. The drinks options are great, and this Hwayo soju is actually good (sorry, I’ve only had chamisul fresh and don’t like this water-​like B.S.) They take their time in making the cocktails and is cool to watch them put it together. The service is phenomenal! Very kind, helpful, attentive, and chill. Why I really don’t mind coming back and possibly frequenting? The music. Hip Hop and not too loud. Thank you, The Back Room, for being more modern, cool, and serving great food and libations!

This place is awesome! The ambiance is super chill, the staff is amazing. They are right behind Mr. BBQ, and although the lot is small, you’ll probably find parking. The location is super convenient, it is a block away from CSUF. They have a nice selection of entrees/​snacks (the kimchi fried rice is BOMB) and drinks. Ladies, if you want a really pretty drink, order the #4 (I’ll attach the picture) it has a flower as garnish, and it is absolutely beautiful (& delicious).
THEY HAVE FREE WIFI! :D
The environment is chill enough for my housemate to study here, although it is a bit dim for my preference. That aside, this place is awesome. I’ve been here 3 times now and I will definitely be returning. Mon-​Thurs nights are more chill (gets busier at dinner hours as guests drop by from waiting for KBBQ) but weekend nights are great for grabbing drinks.
ALSO ask for MICHELLE! We’ve been served by Michelle a number of times now, and she is SUPER NICE! Honestly, I’ve never seen better service anywhere else. JUST VISIT! This place is amazing I swear.

Matilda nuff said… bomb af. Definitely coming back soon. Great drinks and food…
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Came across this place and decided to give it a shot with a couple of my friends. Its a small gastropub behind Mr. BBQ that serves up some pretty good plates.
Started the outing with the usual brew at the bar and went straight to ordering plates. Six plates to be exact. First up was the pork belly chips. This reminded me of pieces of bacon and if I’m comparing this to bacon then you know it taste good. Next was the bugolgi sliders and the spicy pork ribs. The bulgogi was as delicious as most I’ve had from Korean BBQ’s and the ribs were very tender. Falls right off the bone.
The last three to arrive were the chicken wings, kimchi fried rice and the Korean beef tartare. The chicken wings had a really good flavor but were a little under cooked. The kimchi fried rice was excellent with a nice portion of kimchi all throughout and topped with a perfectly fried egg. The beef tartare was saved for last since it was one of my friend’s first time ever trying the dish. All I can say is they nailed it! The tartare had a nice sweet and sesame flavor to it. The sweet was very similar to the bulgogi flavor which I love.
The service was great as well. Marcus the bartender took care of me and my friends. Helped us out with the beer we selected as well as the plates.
Besides the wings being under cooked… all else was excellent and this place is worth more visits. The prices are good as well so you wont be breaking your wallet.
Dinner 1÷23÷2015